Open to Debate Should We Legalize the Market for Human Organs?
5 snips
Sep 20, 2024 
In this engaging discussion, Sally Satel, a psychiatrist and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, advocates for a legalized market for human organs, arguing it could address the critical organ shortage in the U.S. On the other hand, Jeremy Chapman, editor-in-chief of The Transplantation Journal, voices concerns about ethical implications and potential exploitation inherent in such a system. They explore contrasting views on donor safety, the effects of financial incentives, and insights from Iran's organ donation model, making for a thought-provoking debate.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Altruism and Organ Donation
- Organ donations in the US rely solely on altruism, but it's insufficient, with 12 daily deaths due to organ shortages.
- A regulated market with in-kind rewards (not cash) could incentivize donations without exploitation.
Impact of Organ Market
- Legalizing an organ market may reduce donations, as seen in some countries where payment systems exist.
- Focusing on reducing discarded organs and covering donation costs could increase the donation rate.
Paid vs Altruistic
- In paid donation systems, potential donors might delay, hoping to buy an organ later.
- Altruistic donations decrease when a paid alternative exists.