Introduction
Transplant tourism refers to a phenomenon when people go abroad to have some organs transplanted. However, it is also related to illegal organ trafficking and the black market. On the one hand, transplant tourism is an unethical practice that endangers the lives of donors from developing countries (Akinrinde, 2022). On the other hand, one cannot take away the option of receiving an organ from patients who need it (Akinrinde, 2022). The main contention points of this dilemma are minimizing health risks for transplant recipients and donors, the scale of the transplant tourism problem, the impossibility of prohibiting this practice globally, and the culturally sensitive approach to regulating the issue.
Feelings on Scenario
Option D looks the most ethical because it recognizes the dilemma and health risks for transplant participants and suggests staying realistic regarding the black market of organs. Doctor O’Connor and Doctor Reynolds are right, though they consider transplant tourism from different perspectives. Donors from developing countries are the most disadvantaged as they risk their health to receive little payment (Akinrinde, 2022). However, it is an unarguable fact that none has the right to encumber a patient’s freedom to choose treatment options (Akinrinde, 2022). Besides, no prohibition can solve the black-market problem globally (Akinrinde, 2022). Moreover, the United States cannot give orders to other countries on what actions they must take (Akinrinde, 2022). Given this, the protection of donors and patients and culturally sensitive regulation of transplant tourism are the most reasonable options.
Ethical Theory
Virtue ethics suits the most to the problem of transplant tourism because it is an issue involving other actors besides health care professionals. This theory suggests taking responsibility corresponding to the role of a person (Pence, 2017). Since transplant tourism is an international issue, it requires solutions with the participation of governments and policymakers (Akinrinde, 2022). Therefore, it is the responsibility of the mentioned actors to develop programs for protecting transplant recipients and donors and regulating transplant tourism.
Conclusion
Transplant tourism is a controversial practice because it has potential risks to organ recipients and donors. Despite the seeming benefits, transplant tourism is often associated with the illegal trafficking of organs and people, let alone the possible deteriorating effects on health. Thus, virtue ethics can serve as a basis for creating programs that regulate transplant tourism and protect donors and organ recipients.
References
Akinrinde, M. (2022). Debating transplant tourism scenario. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Pence, G. E. (2017). Medical ethics: Accounts of ground-breaking cases. McGraw-Hill Education.