Title: Reading: (CU2 M2) Other Opinions
Course: SkillsCom CMA 112 14.0 > Section: Credit Unit 2 Module 2

On this particular topic, it is important to acknowledge the viewpoints of others. Review the following statements made by other groups. Pay attention to the framework that they are using for their argument.

- Group 1: Moral Grounds
- Group 2: Political Grounds
- Group 3: Religious Grounds

Moral grounds We say that the father in this situation should not have the surgery. Since morals are based on what is right and wrong, we believe that it would be morally incorrect to follow through with the surgery because it would be risking both Tom and Amanda. Because Tom already has a compromised kidney it would put him at a higher than normal chance of it failing on him, and most likely kill him in the process. It would also be risking Amanda's life as well in that it might not function correctly when it's transplanted into her body, causing her to lose her life.

We also believe that risking Tom's life to save Amanda's over waiting for another eligible donor is morally wrong to do. Waiting for a donor would be a better choice because Tom would be able to keep his healthier kidney, and his daughter would have a healthy kidney, and a kidney that would be the right size for her body. We also think that it would be morally wrong to make the mother and wife choose between the two people she cares about most. If they took a kidney from another source she wouldn't have to feel guilty about choice.

We also decided that in the case of the doctor it would be his duty to the patient to do what is right to keep her healthy, but in the case of the father, we believe he was morally wrong to offer the option of the dad giving up his only functioning kidney. We say this because doctors don't normally consider doing a transplant if the donor doesn't have two normally functioning kidneys. In the end the group thinks it would be morally right for both father and daughter to not go through with the surgery, and wait for a different kidney that will better suit Amanda.

Political grounds Tom has power over his own body, thoughts, and decisions. Even though Tom and his wife have equal authority on decisions about their daughter’s life and her well-being, his authority will conquer hers, due to his involvement in the procedure. Tom is of sound mind, and fully understands the implications of his own decision. The cost of trying to cure his daughter of the Wilm's tumors, by finding a donor, is around $262,000; and with over 100,000 people on the waitlist for organs, the time it would take to get her to the top of the list could not only cause costly hospital bills but it would also risk her life. Due to current law stating that the purchase and/or trafficking of organs is illegal, the legal cost of procuring a medically approved kidney is $67,200, Tom’s gift to his daughter would potentially save her life as well as save them money.

Religious grounds Life isn’t always in our own hands. Sometimes we are in need of help from others, whether it is from family member’s friends or our faith. "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27). When Andie and Tom found out their daughter Amanda was in need of a kidney transplant to live a normal life it was heart breaking. Though, happy to learn that Tom was a perfect match for Amanda, he will only be left with a 60% functioning kidney. This transplant would be placing a larger kidney into a smaller body, but if successful, will save Amanda.

In making this decision they turned to faith and learned that it is their job as parents to protect their child. John 15:12-13; John 15:14-15 "Love one another as I have loved you." "Greater love has no one that this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." NKJV The highest expression of love we could have for another would be laying down our life for someone else, just as Jesus did for those he loved. We must love each other sacrificially, as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us (see Rom 5:7-8). We may not have to die for someone, but we can practice sacrificial love in many other ways: listening, helping, encouraging, and giving.

Tom deciding to do the surgery with the support of his wife Andie, is possibly sacrificing his life for Amanda, like Jesus did for Tom. For Andie to accept the circumstances her marriage is a union for life, that you respect your partner's decisions and love them for making the sacrifice and being there for your child.