Regulating the sale of human organs: a discussion in context with the global market.
OBJECTIVE
Insufficient availability of human organs for transplantation has given rise to a flourishing global market. This review addresses current thinking and practical considerations regarding legalization of organ sales.


RESULTS
Increasing competition for human organs has led to egregious human rights violations. Governmental proscription of organ sales has failed to slow this process. Organ sales in China and the regulated market in Iran have received much attention. Some believe that a regulated market is an ethical vehicle for shortening waiting lists and decreasing illegal organ sales. Others consider it a blow to human dignity and to altruistic donation. There is alternative support toward reimbursing living donors for their financial losses. The World Health Organization advocates increased reliance on cadaver donor transplantation. Some countries have enacted presumed consent laws that have increased cadaver organ donation. In the USA an Organ Breakthrough Collaborative has generated comparable success.


CONCLUSIONS
Serious discussion continues with regard to regulated sale of human organs. There is increased interest in reimbursement for living organ donation. Research is needed to elucidate workings of the global organ market, and to assess attitudes about stakeholders with regard to proposed changes in transplantation policy.
Surman
Owen S
OS
Department of Psychiatry, The Transplant Service and The Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. osurman@partners.org
Saidi
Reza
R
Burke
Thomas F
TF
D002681:China; D003132:Commerce; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000191:economics* / Q000941:ethics; D014019:Tissue Donors; D019737:Transplants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D014195:Travel