Does Autonomy Really Exist for Impoverished Kidney Vendors?

Abstract

The following paper will explore autonomy in the context of impoverished kidney vendors. I argue that people who live in impoverished countries lack the ability to provide true and informed consent to sell their organs. The focus will be on kidney vendors in Pakistan. I am writing from a social work lens and consider the oppression, exploitation, and injustices that these vendors have faced. Relational autonomy acknowledges that our relationships and environment influence our ability to be autonomous. Therefore, the impoverished vendors’ autonomy in Pakistan is threatened in the context of selling their organs. Lastly, this paper will acknowledge the counterargument that selling one’s kidney should be an option for anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, and acknowledge the value that a sold organ can bring both the vendor and the recipient.