Sale of Organs for Compensation

Sale of Organs for Compensation

        The buying and selling of human organs all over the world are illegal. The continuous rise of those in need of organs is at the all time high while the number of donors is still limited. The number of living donors that are willing to part with one of those organs for free is very slim. One way to increase organ donation supply is to allow some form of compensation (Salam, 2013). By allowing some form of compensation, it would help the severe shortage of organs being donated (Ritter, 2008). This paper will argue that the best solution is to legalize and monitor the sale of organs. The United States government should amend current law to permit the sale of organs in exchange for compensation by having a forward market for cadaver organs, a centralized single compensator, and private contracts.

        One solution for the sale of organs would be a forward market for cadaver organs. Meaning that potential donors could be paid a small compensation today from the government or the insurance company, to join the current donor registry or they could register today in return for the possibility of a much larger compensation to their estate, should the organs be used at death. In doing things this way, family members would have fewer decision-making burdens and could also help satisfy the people waiting on organs (Satel, 2006).

        Next solution for the sale of organs would be the centralized single compensator. Meaning the government or a designated agency acts as the only authority with the power to buy and allocate organs for transplant (Levy, 2018). Some suggested compensations could be a deposit to a 401(k)-retirement plan, tax credits, and even cash payment. Of any compensation, the donor is protected by standard guidelines for physical and psychological screening, donor education, and informed consent could be formulated (Stanford, 2015).  

        Another solution for the sale of organs would be private contracts. Meaning the start of a market for organs by simply allowing someone who needs an organ and someone who wants to sell one to make their own arrangements through contract. What this would do is, anyone who gets an organ by contract is removed from the waiting list and in doing this allows everyone behind them on the list to move up the list. Under the private contracts, the donor would be treated no differently and they would have the same protection guidelines.