Free Market Economics and Organ Sales essays

Free Market Economics and Organ Sales essays During the 1800s, Edinburgh, Scotland was plagued with a unique problem of supply and demand. Scientists and doctors sought to learn about human anatomy, but few were willing to supply enough human corpses to meet medical professionals needs. In order to satisfy this problem, scientists and doctors turned to the black market-a couple of grave robbers turned murderers named Burke and Hare. Today, some see a comparable situation in the treatment of organs for transplant. Around 100,000 Americans demand organs for the sustaining of the lives, while only around 16,000 organs are provided. Although the current situation involving human organs needed for transplant and the black market has not resulted in grave desecration and murder, the problem is similar implications for the laws of supply and demand and the black market. Free market economists Charles T. Carlstron and Christy D. Rollow argue that using market incentives will help solve the shortage of these valuable organs, which are necessary for the lives of many. Although this concept may seem gruesome to many, an exploration of free market economics and an investigation into the current situation involving transplant organs availability and the black market suggests that using free market incentives will make human organs more equally available to those who need them. For years, the concept of free market economics has caused controversy among economists, politicians, and philosophers. While some suggest that the economic structure allows for self-interest without allowing for altruism, others maintain that it is the solution to most social problems. In fact, in Russell Roberts monumental economic fable, The Choice, suggests that free markets and trade, or the roundabout way to wealth are not only essential for individual countries, but also for the promotion of world human rights. The right to life is a universally recognized human right, ...