Letter: Kidneys for sale

Letter: Kidneys for sale

Sir: I was startled to read ("Doctors call for end of kidney sale ban", 26 June) that an international group of experts in medical ethics should feel that "feelings of outrage and disgust" are not relevant to ethical debate.

Surely it is human sensitivities that guide us in determining what is ethical and what is not. To make sales of kidneys legal would carry many implications; not least it would risk the poor feeling obliged or pressured to sell kidneys when times are hard.

What would the future hold? Kidneys being counted as financial assets, to be counted in means tests? Would there be other organs that people would sell? Would there be commercial ventures set up in Third World countries where organs could be bought more cheaply?

Perhaps this is just too fantastic and it is all just a ruse to encourage the wider carrying of organ donor cards - the only ethical way to help those who are in need.

ADAM B COOKE

London W14

Letter: Kid