The Utilitarian Theory of Organ Donation Essay - 1805 Words

In this paper I will be using the normative theory of utilitarianism as the best defensible approach to increase organ donations. Utilitarianism is a theory that seeks to increase the greatest good for the greatest amount of people (Pense2007, 61). The utilitarian theory is the best approach because it maximizes adult organ donations (which are the greater good) so that the number of lives saved would increase along with the quality of life, and also saves money and time. A utilitarian would argue that organ donations save lives because when citizens continue to donate their organs, more lives are spared. Gregory Pence mentioned in his book titled â€Å"Classic Works in Medical Ethics† that three thousand Americans lose their lives while†¦show more content†¦A utilitarian would suggest to Kant that his decision to go through the organ donation process can be seen as a universal maxim because any rational individual would want to save lives or atleast prolong it. By prolonging life we are maximizing our greatest good. In order to maximize the greatest good a Utilitarian would not only consider live adult organ donors but also from the recently deceased. Taking organs from the recently deceased not only saves lives but it would save time and money for the doctors becoming transplantation. Organ donations not only save lives but also money and time. If organ donations became prevalent the organ recipient would no longer need dialysis. Sin ce there is no need for dialysis the cost to use the machine would lessen; this means that the cost of equipment would decrease, saving the hospital and insurance company’s money. More lives would be saved as well as benefit from those that no longer need an organ. In the book titled â€Å"Elements of Bioethics† adult organ transplants are only that have medical insurance. If organs are taken from recently deceased the cost for those that has no medical coverage was lessen. The process of organ transplantation is life changing and time is crucial. With shorter waiting time it would put ease on the person’s heart to know that this lifesaving event would happen sooner rather than later. In addition, when the organ is taken from the recently deceased the risk would be eliminated fromShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Organ Donation995 Words   |  4 Pages There are organ shortages in the United States, which makes organ donation a health concern: â€Å"Today, there are nearly 118,000 individuals waiting for an organ transplant to live healthier, more productive lives. For some people with end-stage organ failure, it is truly a matter of life and death,† (Moritsugu, 2013, p.245). Not only is there a shortage of organs but other consequences when it comes to organ donation, such as psychological concerns, complications after surgery and deciding who receivesRead MoreA Research On Genetic Engineering1407 Words   |  6 Pagesapplied to various situations as a way of informing the way humans think to support the more difficult decisions that are made in life. On such ethical theory, known as Utilitarianism, an ethical theory that was founded by the 18th century philosopher and social reformer Jeremy Bentham who is currently known as the father of modern Utilitarianism. This theory is best understood as a risk-benefit analysis in which the good brought about by a certain action is weighed against the harm caused by that actionRead MoreOrgan Transplantation : Medical Advancements1104 Words   |  5 PagesDanica Smith Final Paper Outline Organ Transplantation Due to the increase in medical technology over the years, medical advancements, such as organ transplants, have grown in commonality. This has increased the number of patient who needs such care. The problem with organ transplants arises from the debate on the ethical way to distribute organs and how to combat the issue of a lack of organ donors. An ethical approach to solving these issues is to develop a system of equal access that reliesRead MoreOrgan Transplantation Is The Surgical Removal And Transfer1931 Words   |  8 PagesOrgan transplantation is the surgical removal and transfer of an organ from one body to another (Kanniyakoni, 2005). The process begins with someone needing an organ transplant, then being put on a waiting list. Once a patient is added to the national organ transplant waiting list, the individual may receive an organ fairly quickly or may wait many years. In general, the average time frame is three to five years at most centers. Waiting time is also depende nt upon certain factors such as a patientRead MoreCommercialization of organ transplants1774 Words   |  8 Pages Commercialization of Organ Transplants I. Introduction: The following report contains a summary of the arguments for and against the commercialization of transplants found in the research. Formulation on the position of which the debate of whether or not the sale of organs should be permitted is presented. There is the defense of moral judgment with a moral argument along with the identification of the moral principle that is appealing to the moral argument. Followed byRead MoreEthical Considerations When You Are Caring For Children And Teens?828 Words   |  4 Pagesproviders must apply ethical theories and principles and determine the burdens and benefits of any course of action (Rae, 2009). There are two major theories which are utilized to guide ethical decision making, these are deontology and utilitarian. Few people rely exclusively on one theory. Instead, they make decisions by examining both theories and determining which is most appropriate for the presenting situation (Rae, 2009). Deontological theory is an ethical theory which proposes that the rightRead MoreEuthanasia And Physician Assisted Suicide2367 Words   |  10 Pagesthe person’s own hand with the help of a physician,† (Vaughn, 2010, p. 293). In all states in America expect one it is illegal. There is a lot of controversy surrounding euthanasia and physician assisted suicide, from supporters of many different theories. Some believe that human life should be more about quality rather than quantity. Should a person who has a terminal illness is required to live in pain? Could this cause more harm than good based on an overall happiness of everyone? Is it humaneRead MoreFinal Essay Ethics5945 Words   |  24 Pagessake of a justified end. In 2010, the pharmaceutical company Roche came under fire from Traidos Bank, the Berne Declaration, Greenpeace, and other critics for its policy of testing an organ transplantation drug called CellCept in China. CellCept is a drug designed to â€Å"prevent the rejection of transplanted organs†, and has been used successfully in many countries around the world. In order to market CellCept in China, Roche needed regulatory approval that would only be given after the completionRead MoreThe First Successfully Transplantation Of An Organ1895 Words   |  8 Pagestransplantation of an organ occurred in 1954, and since then the rates of organ donation have increased substantially (Welbourn, 2014). However, a big discrepancy exists between the amount of available organs and the quantity of people requiring one to survive. Thus, legislations have been made to minimize such discrepancy. Different countries have diverse copying mechanists on how to overcome this issue. Currently, Canada has the opt-in system in which any individual that wishes to become an organ donator mayRead MoreMy Sisters Keeper2300 Words   |  10 PagesThesis: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) to provide a genetically matched donor for an older sick child and to use the organs of the younger to the medical benefit of the elder is not morally justifiable using rule utilitarian ethical theory. This principle is not justifiable due to both the nature of the proposed rule regarding PGD and, primarily, to the nature of utilitarian ethical philosophy in general. Arguments Supporting Thesis: Rule utilitarianism is a moral philosophy holding that