Congress has taken note of the shortage of donated organs, and has proposed an incentive to increase donation: a commemorative medal to honor organ donors. Alex Tabarrok at Marginal Revolution sums it up thusly: “Millions for medals but not a cent for compensation.”
I am sure the congressmen and senators mean well, and we here at Freakonomics are firm believers that not all incentives need be financial to work, but I’m not sure this proposal passes even the laugh test. Just ask yourself: if you are on the fence about donating an organ, does the thought of a commemorative medal sway your opinion at all?
I wouldn’t think so. I’m sure the first handful of donors would receive a lot of coverage and positive attention, but after the novelty wears off, I am guessing that the reward of a medal would seem far too slight to significantly increase donations.
This also reminds me of what I call “trophy inflation,” whereby every kid in every sports class in America now receives a “participation” trophy. With a shelf full of participation trophies, the ones you get for actually winning something don’t seem so special.
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A similar proposal comes up in the House and/or Senate nearly every year (several times by Frist), but never gets much serious attention. See “Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of (insert year)”.
A similar proposal comes up in the House and/or Senate nearly every year (several times by Frist), but never gets much serious attention. See “Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of (insert year)”.
I have to admit to being slightly confused. I had the impression that a number of organ donors no longer had the need for their donated parts, or any other parts, to put it delicately. To whom would these medals go, then, in those situations? If I were considering organ donation, the prospect of bestowing a commemorative medal on my bereaved next-of-kin is even less of an incentive than the reward of receiving one myself.
I have to admit to being slightly confused. I had the impression that a number of organ donors no longer had the need for their donated parts, or any other parts, to put it delicately. To whom would these medals go, then, in those situations? If I were considering organ donation, the prospect of bestowing a commemorative medal on my bereaved next-of-kin is even less of an incentive than the reward of receiving one myself.
usually people who donate organs do it for reasons other than money , wonder what the percentages would be , family members , friends , all do it because they want to help someone , not sure the lure of a medal would be all that , besides if you want a medal that bad just buy it on e-bay -thats the AMERICAN way !
usually people who donate organs do it for reasons other than money , wonder what the percentages would be , family members , friends , all do it because they want to help someone , not sure the lure of a medal would be all that , besides if you want a medal that bad just buy it on e-bay -thats the AMERICAN way !
At least it’s not a financial reward – I wonder what sort of perverse incentive a financial reward would result in?
At least it’s not a financial reward – I wonder what sort of perverse incentive a financial reward would result in?