Organ Harvesting
There are many different ways to measure the value of a person. What is their net worth? What is their earning potential? She's got a million dollar smile. But what are you really worth? What would you get if you sold your body for parts? Can you sell your body for parts? Why would anyone sell parts of his or her own body?
Over the last century, surgical techniques and advances in medicine have reached the point where it is possible to replace some old or sick body parts with new ones. We haven't caught up with Dr. Frankenstein yet, but surgeons have made amazing advances. However, finding a new kidney to transplant into your patient is not an easy thing.
Where do doctors get organs for transplants?
There are two main systems used in different countries for providing a supply of organs. In an Opt-in or Opt-out system citizens can agree to be an organ donor when they die.
- Opt-in: In an Opt-in system everyone who has NOT given permission is NOT a donor, meaning only those who have specifically signed up will have their organs donated when they die. This is used in Greece, Germany, and the U.S.A.
- Opt-out: In an Opt-out system everyone who has NOT refused is a donor, meaning that unless you have specifically said you will not donate your organs, your organs will be donated when you die. This system is used in Sweden, Austria, and Spain.
Why are doctors doing organ transplants? Why can't they use medicine to heal everyone?
There are limits to what can be done to heal or repair an organ. Sometimes our parts just wear out. In the U.S. every 90 minutes another person dies while waiting for a replacement organ to become available. Over 80,000 people are in line waiting for a new kidney alone.
How much does a new organ cost?
In the U.S.A. it is illegal to buy or sell a human organ, but in other parts of the world it is legal, and in other places genuinely scary! But if you are in need of a price guide:
How much is a human heart worth?
$290,000 in South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, or South Africa, but only $130,000 in South Africa and only $90,000 in Columbia.How much is a human liver worth?
$290,000 in South Korea, South Africa, and Taiwan, $130,000 in China, $100,000 in Columbia, but only $25,000 in Pakistan.How much is a human kidney worth?
$145,000 in Turkey, $120,000 in South Africa, $80,000 in Columbia, $65,000 in China, $40,000 in Pakistan, and only $20,000 in Iraq.How much is a human pancreas worth?
$140,000 in Singapore, South Korea, or South Africa, but only $110,000 in China.How much is a human lung worth?
$290,000 in Singapore, Taiwan, South Africa, or Taiwan, but only $110,000 in China.
Do people really get their organs stolen out of their body?
Organ theft is a real crime, and though it is unlikely you ll ever wake up in a bathtub missing a kidney after a wild night in Las Vegas, there are places in the world where the Opt-in or Opt-in systems are not the only option. Fully 5% of all kidney transplants across the globe used kidneys from illegal or questionable sources.
In both Kosovo and in Israel there have been longstanding rumors and claims of involuntary organ harvesting. In Israel, a report was issued admitting that during the 80 s and 90 s this was occasionally practiced on Palestinian casualties.
In Pakistan, India, Mozambique, Moldova, and Egypt national poverty levels combined with inadequate legislation have combined to create a flourishing black market for human organs.
In China there has been a long standing issue with organs being harvested from criminals in prison.
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