S
Shin
Guest
This is not the most prevalent topic – that is the very grave problem of essential organ donations before death, but a different one.
Whether or not it is a moral evil to sell an organ.
Now, we have been informed that it is morally acceptable to donate organs that are not crucial to life before death, and to donate those which are after death.
Current United States law forbids selling organs, so that a person who has an extra kidney (and just about every one has) cannot sell but can only donate that organ. Certainly the Red Cross or medical societies may make money off what is donated, be it blood or organs, on the side, but the actual donor is not allowed to (besides perhaps a pittance gratuity).
Disregarding the current civil laws, in moral theology is it acceptable to sell organs?
Some of the factors to consider:
It could be a kind of simony, or a disrespect towards the body.
It could lead on a downward spiral of donations that are mutilations.
It could relieve the impoverishment of many people and health woes of many others.
It could become outdated in the near future if organs grown from stem cells become more viable.
Does anyone know of any moral standards that would give an answer to the morality of organ selling and buying? I am not speaking from a sentimentalist view of distaste at the idea or similar – but actual moral standards?
Whether or not it is a moral evil to sell an organ.
Now, we have been informed that it is morally acceptable to donate organs that are not crucial to life before death, and to donate those which are after death.
Current United States law forbids selling organs, so that a person who has an extra kidney (and just about every one has) cannot sell but can only donate that organ. Certainly the Red Cross or medical societies may make money off what is donated, be it blood or organs, on the side, but the actual donor is not allowed to (besides perhaps a pittance gratuity).
Disregarding the current civil laws, in moral theology is it acceptable to sell organs?
Some of the factors to consider:
It could be a kind of simony, or a disrespect towards the body.
It could lead on a downward spiral of donations that are mutilations.
It could relieve the impoverishment of many people and health woes of many others.
It could become outdated in the near future if organs grown from stem cells become more viable.
Does anyone know of any moral standards that would give an answer to the morality of organ selling and buying? I am not speaking from a sentimentalist view of distaste at the idea or similar – but actual moral standards?