Kidney Trafficking: Murder?

The Mass Outbreak of Kidney Trafficking: 

Today, the trafficking of kidneys can account for approximately 10% of all organ transplants worldwide. (World Health Organization) However, worldwide there is not a country where organ trafficking is legal, except one; Iran. The organ trade is flourishing mostly in poverty-stricken and developing countries. Taking advantage of people in such a manner is unacceptable. Although the need for organs is overwhelming, and waiting for donors is seemingly tormenting; exploiting the deprived is not an answer. The organ trade breeches ethical principles, and the fact that this type of exploitation happens today provokes me to believe that our society has no right to even consider the possibility that we have progressed as a race, it is unquestionable that human trafficking as a whole must desist.

It is possibly ignored by most that this exploitation is taking place, however, this kind trafficking happens very frequently. Recently 44 people in New Jersey were arrested for kidney trafficking- including prominent members of society; 2 mayors, and famous realtors. The Health Minister of Singapore Khaw Boon Wan stated that legalizing the payment of kidney donors would be beneficial: “We should not reject any idea just because it is radical or controversial,” he said. “We may be able to find an acceptable way to allow a meaningful compensation for some living, unrelated kidney donors…” (CNN) Although, Singapore has not yet taken any definite steps towards this proposition as of yet. It is questionable that if this were to take place there would likely be more exploitation of poverty-stricken places of Asia mostly by rich foreigners. February in India, officials broke up a team who have taken at least 500 kidneys from poor laborers and slaves. It is likely that there are more black-market kidney operations taking place, but it is unlikely that Canada will be able to do much about it besides educate the population. More than 80,000 people in the United States are waiting for a kidney transplant, and waiting for a donor can take up to 6 years.

Having a donor could be the essential key to saving your life. It is easy to understand the urgency of having a donor, but sacrificing someones life because yours is at risk is not even remotely a moral decision. Exploitation of the oppressed is not an option in today’s day and age. There are other ways to save lives, and the philosophy of sacrificing for the sake of likely wealthy westerners is beyond repulsive.