“There are many things effective altruists can do. Not only to donate money but also a part of your body”. These are the words of Peter Singer, the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University and Laureate Professor in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne. He connects the donation of organs to the concept of effective altruism. But – what is effective altruism?
Becoming a living donor is an example that suits especially well in the category of effective altruism since it is a highly effective way to increase human health and contribute to the wellbeing of society.
Many people want to do good but do not know how. Out of this dilemma effective altruism arose. Its goal is to find the best ways to help others and put them into practice. This can be manifested in many different actions, from choosing a job with a positive impact to donating money, such as within the Save Life Giving Club of the American Transplant Foundation or exploring the many other ways to give altruistically
The American Transplant Foundation is proud to have a lot of altruistic donors within its network. All the 6,400 people who made a living donor transplantation possible in 2022 follow effective altruism principles. One additional aspect of effective altruism lies in the concept of maximizing the benefit for society without prioritizing one's own family or friends. In this context, it is interesting to know that 1 in three living donors donate their organ to a person they have never met before.
Do you also want to follow the principles of the movement “effective altruism” and become a living donor? You can find all the relevant information here.
