The Lancet

In the following viewpoint, the editors of the Lancet, a journal of biomedical science, practice, and ethics, claim that the arguments against the sale of human organs are unreasonable and that the prohibition of such transactions is unfair. Although the Lancet focuses primarily on kidney donation, its arguments for a regulated system of compensated donation apply equally to other non-vital organs. The Lancet maintains that those opposed to the sale of body parts overlook the utter economic desperation that leads people to such extremes.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What do the authors claim is the “commonest” objection to kidney selling"

2. How do the authors refute the claim that organ donation must be altruistic"

3. How do the authors differentiate between public opinion and western public opinion"

When the practice of buying kidneys...