Corpo humano: mercadoria ou valor?

Abstract

This article discusses some ethical questions raised by transplantation of human organs. Such organs, it is argued, should never be supplied through commercial dealings, which tend to reduce human bodies to mere merchandise. Spontaneous donations and medical research should de encouraged in order to lessen shortage of organs available for transplantation. Besides, according to the author, mandatory removal of organs from corpses should also be enforced by law, even against familiar opposition, except when explicit instructions against that procedure are left by the deceased person.