Cause and Effect of Organ Trafficking
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Grand Canyon University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
106
Subject
English
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by PrivateMinkPerson866
2
Cause and Effect of Organ Trafficking
Riley Arechiga
Colangelo College of Business, Grand Canyon University
106: English Composition II
Professor, Tennille Feldbush
October 9, 2023
3
Organ Trafficking: Causes and Consequences
Organ trafficking, a serious problem in our world today, refers to the illegal trade of
organs. This happens when organs are taken from people, whether they are alive or have passed
away, using forceful and unfair methods, and then sold to those who desperately need them
(Budiani-Saberi et al., 2018). This essay is set to uncover why organ trafficking happens and to
explain the serious consequences it brings about.
Causes
One major factor contributing to organ trafficking is the scarcity of available organs for
transplantation. The demand for organs far surpasses the supply, leaving numerous individuals on
waiting lists (World Health Organization, 2020). This scarcity drives some to resort to illicit
means in their desperation to acquire the organs they require. The gap between organ demand
and the supply from legal donation programs is substantial, pushing vulnerable individuals
towards illegal channels. The desperation stemming from these long waiting lists can lead some
individuals to consider illicit means of obtaining the organs they require. This desperation arises
from a deep-seated fear of time running out and the realization that a suitable donor might not be
found through legal channels in time. Faced with such a dire situation, individuals may feel
driven to explore alternative, albeit illegal, avenues to secure the life-saving organ they
desperately need.
Desperation and Exploitation
Another significant cause is the extreme poverty experienced by some individuals,
making them susceptible to exploitation. Organ traffickers prey on their financial vulnerability,
4
offering them monetary compensation in exchange for their organs (Budiani-Saberi et al., 2018).
Faced with limited options, these impoverished individuals may feel compelled to agree, even if
it entails significant risks to their health and well-being. Also, this scarcity exacerbates the
vulnerability of individuals in need of organ transplants. Those with limited resources or social
support networks may feel particularly compelled to explore illegal channels, driven by the belief
that they have no other viable options. The emotional and psychological toll of living with a life-
threatening condition while dealing with the uncertainty of ever receiving a transplant can lead
individuals to make decisions they may not have otherwise considered.
One famous example of organ exploitation occurred in China, where reports were made
of forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, primarily targeting practitioners of
Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline (Matas, 2016). These allegations suggest that organs were
systematically extracted from living individuals without their consent, often leading to severe
physical and psychological trauma. This practice not only constitutes a grave violation of human
rights but also exemplifies the depths to which organ exploitation can descend in the absence of
stringent ethical and legal safeguards.
Weak Rules and Oversight
In some places, there aren't strong enough rules for organ donations and transplants. This
makes it easier for bad people to trade organs illegally. They can do this without getting caught
easily. Because of this, the illegal organ trade continues to happen. The World Health
Organization says that in these regions, the rules about organ transplants aren't strict enough
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
5
(World Health Organization, 2020). This makes it easier for organ traffickers to do their illegal
activities. It's like they have more freedom to do bad things, and it's hard for the police to catch
them. Because of this, the illegal organ business keeps going on. This is a big problem because it
puts many people at risk, and it's tough to stop.To fix this, we need to make sure the rules about
organ donations and transplants are strong and enforced. This way, legal ways of getting organs
will be the only way, and illegal trade will be much harder. We also need to make sure people
know about the importance of legal organ donations and the dangers of going through illegal
channels.
One example, In Egypt, there used to be not very strict rules about organ transplants. This
made it easier for illegal organ trading to happen. People could buy and sell organs pretty easily
because there weren't many consequences (Ghonim, 2019). Because of these loose rules, both the
people giving organs and the ones receiving them were in danger. The organs weren't checked
properly, which could lead to problems and infections for the person getting the organ (Ghonim,
2019). This situation shows how important it is to have strong and clear rules in place to stop
organ trafficking and make sure organs are obtained and used in a safe and ethical way.
Harm to Donors and Recipients
Illegal organ trading is a global issue with significant repercussions for all parties
involved. Not only does it lead to physical and emotional distress for both the organ donor and
recipient, but it also poses serious risks to their long-term health outcomes. The lack of proper
medical screening and oversight in illegal organ trades heightens the likelihood of complications
and post-transplant medical problems (Budiani-Saberi et al., 2018).
6
Also, the underground nature of illegal organ trafficking networks often means that there
is little to no follow-up care or support for the individuals involved. This can leave both the
donor and recipient vulnerable to a range of medical, psychological, and social challenges in the
aftermath of the transplant. Furthermore, the prevalence of illegal organ trading exacerbates the
already severe shortage of organs available for transplantation through legal and regulated
channels. This shortage ultimately affects thousands of patients worldwide who are desperately
in need of life-saving organ transplants but are forced to wait for extended periods, often with
deteriorating health conditions.
Efforts to combat illegal organ trading must therefore encompass not only legal and law
enforcement measures, but also initiatives aimed at increasing organ donation rates through
education, awareness campaigns, and improved organ procurement and allocation systems.
International cooperation and coordination are crucial in addressing this complex and morally
fraught issue (Budiani-Saberi et al., 2018).
One real-life example of a person selling a kidney due to financial desperation is the case
of Amit Kumar from India. In 2008, Amit Kumar, a laborer struggling to make ends meet,
decided to sell one of his kidneys to a trafficker who promised him a substantial sum of money in
return. Kumar's dire financial situation led him to make this drastic and potentially life-
threatening decision. This case exemplifies the extreme measures individuals may resort to when
facing severe economic hardship. It also highlights the exploitative nature of organ trafficking,
where vulnerable individuals like Amit Kumar are taken advantage of by traffickers.
Conclusion
7
Organ trafficking represents a deeply concerning challenge that demands urgent attention.
The scarcity of organs available for transplantation, coupled with socio-economic vulnerabilities,
and inadequate regulatory structures, creates a ground for this illicit trade (World Health
Organization, 2020).
In conclusion, the fight against organ trafficking requires a comprehensive and
collaborative approach. Stricter regulations, socio-economic empowerment, increased legal
organ donations, and enhanced vigilance within the medical community are all critical
components. By addressing the root causes and implementing effective measures, we can create
a future where organ transplantation is a safe, equitable, and ethically sound process for all in
need.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
8
References
Budiani-Saberi, D. A., Delmonico, F. L., & Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism Advisory
Council. (2018). Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism: A Commentary on the Global
Realities. American Journal of Transplantation, 18(3), 569-575.
Ghonim, M. (2019). Organ Transplantation in Egypt: The Human Trafficking Dilemma.
International Journal of Organ Transplantation Medicine, 10(2), 63-69.
Matas, D. (2016). State Organs: Transplant Abuse in China. Seraphim Editions.
Rana, A., Gruessner, A., & Agopian, V. G. (2019). Donation After Cardiac Death Liver
Transplantation. In Living Donor Advocacy (pp. 369-379). Springer, Cham.
World Health Organization. (2020). Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation.
Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/transplantation/gost/en/