Commentary: Altruism in Organ Donation: Would Reciprocity Offer an Alternative Explanation?
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2014-12
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In: Akabayashi A. The Future of Bioethic: International Dialogues. Oxford: Oxford University Press;
Abstract
Organ donation for transplantation constitutes a social contract between citizens in Singapore. This social contract can be enforced by making waiting lists for organs for citizens who opt out of donation a lower priority. In these circumstances, it would be intriguing to examine whether altruism alone is required for organ donation. The shared social value of reciprocity in Asian societies may also lend itself as an explanation. As the identity of those who will require organs is unpredictable, this can also constitute a risk aversion strategy across kinship ties and generations. Organ donation following a death could potentially bring moral merit to the donor and benefit of donations which occur across kinship ties and generations.
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In: Akabayashi A. The Future of Bioethic: International Dialogues. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2014.