blog.bioethics.net

This is one reason why I believe that the report of Falon Gong being harvested is credible. I would hope that those involved in bioethics of whatever philosophical, political, religious, and moral persuasion could come together on this and demand an indeptendent international investigation.

- by Wesley J. Smith on Sep 30, 2006 at 7:57 PM | link

I would like to point out the fact “ability to pay” is a compelling factor in our own organ transplant industry, no less so than China. In US the uninsured are left out of the organ wait list, while the rich go on wait list and receive organs in days or weeks, too.
It is refered to as “wallet biopsy”. 2004 clinical data from ustransplant.org shows thousands of patients in US (top 10% of wait list) averaged a 10 day wait period for liver transplant.
Does that mean we too are selling organs?
As to the BBC reporter’s cliam it’s not possible for the condemned in China to consent to donation, I would like to point out that China is not the only country that allows the death row inmate to donate organ. In US it is allowed on a case-by-case basis.
For reference, here’s a report I found in the Chinese media, about a guy who turned himself in for killing his wife’s lover. Before he was to pay with his life, he decided to donate his organ as last act of redemption, and willed the organ donation compensation fund paid by the state to the victim’s family. In his interview he indicated the reason he called for press is to help bring awareness to organ donation in China:
http://news.sina.com.cn/s/p/2006-03-20/12299394605.shtml
Many such cases exists in China:
http://www.baidu.com/s?ie=gb2312&bs=%CB%C0%C7%F4+%BE%E8+%C6%F7%B9%D9&sr=&z=&cl=3&f=8&wd=%CB%C0%C7%F4+%BE%E8+%C6%F7%B9%D9+%C2%C9%CA%A6&ct=0
Some people would simply disregard Chinese media’s reporting about themselves, insisting on what they know about China, like Buddhist culture and people’s desire to die “whole” (probably learned from the movie “The Last Emperor”.)
It probably is still true to some degree, but folks forget most Chinese are not criminals. Does one really believe “wholeness” applies to criminals in Buddhism? Above article demonstrates a common rationale for the condemned to consent to organ donation - the Buddhist desire for redemption.
Chinese culture and Buddhist religious foundation makes organ donation difficult to promote. However the condemned often seek redemption and last act of contribution to family and society, under the same cultural and religious foundation.
Yes, the Chinese government’s organ donation compensation fund seems to be direct at this population, but its aim is to promote organ donation by the population at large.
You may find faults in it, as there do exist isolated cases of abuse contrary to the law stated. But who are we to deny their reality, and self-righteously accuse them with our western sensitivity?
I believe it is fair to say this issue is not only debatable, the Chinese are debating it - as the above search engine results show a range of opinions.
To me this really demonstrates that China’s problems isn’t all that black and white. China too have their dilemmas and choices, and their own history to evaluate (and overcome).
In contrast, to condemn China with emotionally satisfying conclusion only serves ones ego, I submit.

- by bobby fletcher on Oct 4, 2006 at 4:44 AM | link

Buddhist religious foundation makes organ donation difficult to promote
Although there is the typical sitting for the bardo, over the last 20 years most of the high ranking lamas and rinpoche's have come out strongly in favour of organ donation. I would suspect that China's problem with Buddhism stems more from the fact that they ban (or strongly censor) the words of many influential Buddhist sources than anything else. Organ donation is a painless way of gaining merit.
If you really want to talk from a Buddhist perspective, you do have to question whether or not someone in jail is being pressured into doing something they might not want to do, or be comfortable doing. Jail, and knowing you're going to be killed - that's a pretty coercive environment. While donation of organs is a marvelous karmic boon, it's only good if it's done voluntarily and with no anxiety.
The concern becomes the taking of an organ of someone who was coerced into donating, or who did not consent or voluntarily give their organs - this could be viewed as karmically negative, of contributing to harm of another person. Your need/desire to overcome your body/shell's imperfections to attain a longer/healthier life causing the death of another person would be a very bad thing.
Given the report and the questions raised by the BBC, I'd think Buddhists in China would be wary about accepting organ donation, not about donating themselves.

- by Kelly on Oct 6, 2006 at 9:19 PM | link