Organ Sales Summary

Richard Epstein's Thinking the Unthinkable: Organ Sales is a strong essay that points out both viewpoints of the pros and cons of organ sales. As an outstanding writer, Epstein allows the reader to see both sides of an important issue, while at the same time establishing a strong thesis that is supported throughout his entire essay.

Epstein does a fantastic job of getting his point across right away. He starts his essay out by pointing out important facts such as, "Put simply, a world in which 100 individuals each have one kidney is a world with higher expected benefits than a world in which 50 people each have two kidneys and the other 50, with failing kidneys, face dialysis or death". He also establishes his thesis right from the begininng stating that, "Although the culture holds that buying and selling of organs is highly distasteful, a good argument for such sales is beginning to be made, albeit tentatively, in this country". From there Epstein supports his thesis with several strong supportive points.

Epstein's first point is this: organ donations sales should be looked at in the same way of a donation to a stranger as the same as a donation to a loved one or family member. By implementing a sale of organs for say cash, people will more likely be inclined to donate their organs to a stranger if they are going to be making a profit off of it, rather than just simply dontating their organs for the sake of a good cause. Those in opposition to this point believe that organ sales should be banned because those donating are not completely aware of the risks being taken when they take on such a position as a donation.

Opposers also believe and feel that organ sales single out those who are in desperate need of cash and would therefore do anything to get it, even if it means selling their organs. However, Epstein states that those who are poor and disadvantaged woudl not be the ones that would be looked upon for donations because they are not the type of candidates that would qualify for donations.

One last strong point that opposers make is that by implementing the sale of organs, the number of volunteers would decrease and therefore would not help in decreasing the shortage of organ donations that are already at hand. In contradiction to opposers' argument, Epstein points out that even if there was a change and sales were legalized, it would be hard to establish whether or not there would be a change in the number of donations. He also states that organ sales are already taking place, but its sales are being hidden and secretly concealed from the public eye.

Organ donation sales should be legalized, according to Epstein because of the many benefits that it would allow for those in need of organizations, while at the same time supporting the belief that if organ sales were legalized many more people would be more likely to do it especially for a profit. It's important to recognize the value of life and especially the value of giving, whether it be for a profit or not. In the end, it's one more life that's saved that's important.

I really like the way that Epstein went about his argument. I feel that it strongly points out his knowledge of thhe situation and the subject and shows that he knows what he's talking about. After reading his essay I would definitely agree with legalizing the sale of organs because of the benefits that it would pose for those in need and those who donate. By implementing the sale of organs I am strongly convinced that it would better ensure a healthier and longer life for someone in need, regardless of the risks or concerns that would be at hand.