Summary of Arguments against Banning Kidney Sales
This text presents a strong argument against the current legal prohibition of selling kidneys. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* The “Exploitation of the Poor” Argument is Flawed: The author argues that simply banning kidney sales doesn’t address the root cause of poverty that might lead someone to consider selling a kidney. It’s hypocritical to express concern for the poor while simultaneously denying them a potential financial benefit.
* Regulation, Not Prohibition: Concerns about exploitation by corporations are better addressed through regulation of the market, ensuring fair treatment of donors, rather than an outright ban (citing Iran as a successful example).
* Bodily Autonomy & Religious Views: The argument that bodies are “sacred” and shouldn’t be commodified is challenged. The author questions why the beliefs of those with religious objections should dictate the choices of those without them, especially when lives are at stake.
* Government Overreach: The author questions the government’s right to control individual decisions about one’s own body, particularly when altruistic kidney donation is already legal. Why restrict the same action when money is involved?
* “icky Feelings” Aren’t Enough: The author acknowledges a common visceral negative reaction (“icky feeling”) to the idea of selling organs, but argues that emotional discomfort is not a sufficient justification for legal prohibition.Moral feelings are subjective and change over time (using the example of paid singers in the 18th century).
In essence, the author advocates for a more nuanced approach, suggesting that a regulated market for kidney sales could possibly alleviate suffering and empower individuals, rather than simply protecting them from a problem that stems from broader societal issues like poverty.
