Reference no: EM132470934
Learning Activity
You have been invited to sit on a committee that will decide who gets the next available organ transplant. Please rank each potential recipient from 1-5 (1 is the first candidate, 5 is the last person, eligible to receive a transplant).
Melissa: is a 19-year-old high school dropout. She works as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) at a local senior care facility. Melissa lives alone, has no close family close, and no significant friends or attachments outside of work. The residents at the facility love Melissa and think she is very caring.
Robert: is a 31-year-old substitute teacher. Robert served in the Marines until he lost one arm and one leg in a combat situation. Robert has a fiancée and is getting married in two months. He is the track coach at the high school and runs a tutoring program for at risk teenagers. Robert also serves as a Deacon at the local church.
Ethan: is an 81-year-old retired grandfather with 16 grandchildren. Ethan and his beloved wife Lucy care for many of the grandchildren during the day so their parents can work. Ethan and Lucy own a farm with lots of land. They run the local animal rescue and foster many disabled and abused pets. Recently Lucy was diagnosed with Dementia, Ethan keeps track of Lucy during her "spells" to keep her safe. All of the children and grandchildren gather every Sunday for dinner at Ethan & Lucy's house and cannot imagine life without either of them.
Lucas: is a 52-year-old undercover CIA agent. He is a language specialist who speaks more than a dozen languages. Lucas has lead over 70 undercover operations in 30 years, saving hundreds of civilian lives. Lucas lives in a studio apartment outside of D.C. He has no immediate family, as he grew up in foster care.
Serena: is a 47-year-old lobbyist for feminist causes. Serena has an accomplished professional career and is currently in the running for the Nobel Peace Prize. Sara's accomplishments have changed women's healthcare access in third world countries. Serena has helped over 1500 women receive preventative healthcare in developing nations. Serena's friends and family adore her. She has a large support system.
Melissa, Robert, Ethan, Lucas and Serena have all been given 30 days or less to live. Each person requires an immediate organ transplant to sustain life beyond that timeframe. From a Utilitarian perspective, decide who gets the first available organ from 1-5. As a committee member, you are well aware that the likelihood of more than 2 organs within a month is non existent.