The Ethical Dilemmas of Organ Donation in India: Addressing Legal Issues, Social Norms, and Economic Pressures:

Abstract

Organ donation in India presents a complex ethical landscape shaped by intersecting legal, social, and economic factors. Despite the existence of a formal legal framework under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), challenges such as inadequate enforcement, procedural ambiguities, and limited public awareness hinder ethical organ procurement. Deep-rooted cultural beliefs, religious reservations, and family-based decision-making further complicate efforts to promote donation, often leading to reluctance or outright refusal, even in medically viable cases. Compounding these issues are the economic pressures that fuel an underground organ trade, where financially vulnerable individuals are exploited under the guise of voluntary donation. This paper critically examines these ethical dilemmas through a multidisciplinary lens, highlighting the need for a more transparent, culturally sensitive, and socially equitable organ donation system in India. It calls for policy reforms, community engagement, and ethical oversight to balance individual rights, public health needs, and social justice.