The Thomistic Institute
The Ethics of Organ Transplantation | Prof. Steven Jensen
Nov 13, 2024
In this enlightening discussion, Professor Steven J. Jensen, an expert in bioethics and moral psychology, tackles the complex ethical dilemmas surrounding organ transplantation. He offers a historical overview, shedding light on the implications of brain death as a criterion for organ donation. Jensen delves into the controversies of consent laws, the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations, and the alarming issues of organ trafficking, particularly in places like China. His insights provoke a deeper understanding of the moral landscape in this critical field.
40:50
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Quick takeaways
- The ethical implications of classifying brain death raise concerns about whether patients can be considered truly deceased before organ donation.
- The increasing demand for organs coupled with questionable practices threatens to undermine ethical standards and human dignity in transplantation.
Deep dives
The Slippery Slope of Organ Transplantation Ethics
Organ transplantation saves lives but raises significant ethical concerns due to the growing demand for organs. As demand escalates, there is a risk of compromising ethical standards to procure organs, leading to troubling practices. The concept of 'brain death' has emerged as a critical issue, as it is the primary criterion for organ donation. This raises the fundamental question of whether individuals classified as brain dead can be considered truly deceased, complicating the ethical landscape surrounding organ transplantation.
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