Abstract
This essay indicates that Confucian family-based ethics is by no means a stumbling block to organ donation in China. We contend that China should not change to an opt-out consent system in order to enhance donation because a “hard” opt-out system is unethical, and a “soft” opt-out system is unhelpful. We argue that the recently-introduced familist model of motivation for organ donation in mainland China can provide a proper incentive for donation. This model, and the family priority right that this model supports, is ethically justifiable in terms of Confucian family-based ethics.
Highlights
Studies have shown that cadaveric organ donation is both medically beneficial and economically desirable
A frequently heard critique is that Confucian family-based ethics, which is still vibrant in contemporary China, constitutes a stumbling block to organ donation
Like the family priority right provided in the Chinese model, are a type of nonfinancial incentive that would be highly motivating at least within a family-based ethical culture like that of China
Summary
Studies have shown that cadaveric organ donation is both medically beneficial and economically desirable. Kidney transplantation can lead to the substantial reduction of health-care costs (University of Maryland Medical Center, 1999) Against this background, if cadaveric organ donation is voluntarily initiated out of the moral motive of saving human life and is properly operated without violating any significant medical or moral norms, such as failures to follow appropriate death criteria or requirements for valid informed consent, it would be ethically admirable for individuals to donate their organs after death, because such donations bring about medically and economically better consequences. A frequently heard critique is that Confucian family-based ethics, which is still vibrant in contemporary China, constitutes a stumbling block to organ donation
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