Organ Transplant

Many countries, including Singapore suffer from a severe shortage of organ donors. This is not surprising, given the trouble and cost needed to transplant an organ. Anyway, they do not get paid. It takes a really understanding, and kind-hearted person to donate an organ. As a result, many people resort to getting an organ illegally. Here is one recent case:

In July 2008, a retail tycoon Tang Wee Sung attempted to buy a kidney for $300,000 from an Indonesian man, Sulaiman Damanik. His sentence was a $17,000 fine, and one day in jail. Sulaiman Damanik was jailed for three weeks. The heaviest sentence of fourteen months in jail was given to the middleman, Wang Chin Sing.

This very case has sparked off many debates and discussions. Many people, including government officials in the parliament, are now discussing whether organ trading should be legalised, and commercialised.

Some people claim that making organ trading legal will save many lives. However, others feel that making organ trading legal will result in the exploitation of the poor, and is unethical. Another opposing point is that it will be unfair, and only the rich will be able to afford an organ.

I feel that we should legalise organ trading, as this will save uncountable lives. Now, many people are dying because they have failed to get an organ in time. If organ trading is legalised, it will be much easier for sick patients to get the organ that they need. This system will also benefit the poor donors too. As long as the donors get properly informed of the consequences, and they know what they are doing, they can get the money that they need. There are some cases in which the donors need money very urgently, and do not mind donating their organs.

Although some may argue that it will be unfair for the poor people who cannot afford to buy an organ, the government can step in, and regulate the prices. Regulating the prices means to set a standard price, and affordable price for the organs, so that most people will be able to afford the organs.

This topic has many sides to it, but these are my views.