Public and Professional Attitudes Towards the Ethics of Commodification of Human Organs

Bc. John Gaston Schwarz

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis critically examines the ethical dimensions and implications of the commodification of human organs, delving into the core ethical concerns such as human dignity, autonomy, exploitation, inequality, and the broader impacts on healthcare commercialization, organ allocation fairness, trafficking, and health and safety risks. By conducting a comprehensive review of literature, ethical frameworks, and through interviews with medical professionals, alongside a public attitudes survey, this study aims to explore and compare diverse perspectives on organ commodification. The research seeks to assess the immediate and long-term consequences of a market-based approach to organ transplantation on various stakeholders, including donors, recipients, healthcare systems, and society at large. The findings aim to provide informed recommendations and propose alternative solutions to address the ethical challenges posed by organ commodification, contributing to the development of more equitable and ethical policies in organ transplantation.

Keywords

Ethical dimensions, Human dignity, Autonomy, Exploitation, Healthcare commercialization, Organ commodification, Organ allocation fairness, Organ trafficking, Stakeholder impact, Policy recommendations

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 4. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 6. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: Daniel Rosenhaft Swain, Ph.D. MA
• Reader: Jose Luis Guerrero Quiñones, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Master programme:
Global Information Security Management