An argument for a paid and regulated living-unrelated kidney donation system in South Africa
Date
2021
Authors
Ewing (Naude), Susan Lesley
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Abstract
One of the biggest challenges that global healthcare is experiencing is the shortage of
kidney organ donors. Globally, the demand for organs is far greater than the supply
and as a result, people who are on waiting lists will not get a chance to receive a
kidney. Those who are waiting for transplants will require ongoing dialysis to survive
(Nath & Fervenza, 2018). Dialysis is extremely costly and burdens the healthcare
systems.
Given the enormous gaps between supply and demand, this report seeks to answer
the question: “Should South Africa follow the model of a paid and regulated living unrelated kidney donation system?” I begin with an analysis of South Africa’s current
structure, the effects of this system and ultimately seeing the need for a different
solution. I analyzed the various models globally in kidney donation, including the only
country that allows for a paid system and the objections thereto.
Currently, the sale of organs is prohibited in South Africa. My view is that our current
South African model is lacking in solutions to the shortage of organ donors, particularly
kidneys. There is a need for a better solution as the current system is failing to meet
the needs of patients.
In this paper, I use the principlism framework consisting of the four bioethical principles
namely, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice, to highlight the
constitutional conflicts and the ethical dilemmas when considering a paid donation
system. As I am arguing for a paid system in South Africa, I have included the ubuntu
theory to show why objections to a paid and regulated system would fail.
In conclusion, a paid and regulated living-unrelated kidney donation system is argued
to be the most ethically and practically appropriate system in South Africa, to improve
kidney donation rates and the livelihoods of the people
Description
A research report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Science in Medicine (Bioethics and Health Law) to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Bioethics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021