Illegal Organ Transplants: The Major Sources Of Organs

Illegal Organ Transplants
Student’s Name
Institution
Illegal Organ Transplants
Literature Review
Introduction
There is a growth of organ trafficking market worldwide (Jafar, 2009). According to Jafar (2009), a network consisting of physicians, brokers, and hospitals engage in the illegal trade of organs. It is a profitable enterprise that thrives on the demand for human organs, particularly in developed countries (Jafar, 2009). Another significant factor that has driven the growth of illegal organ transplants is the lack of legal frameworks in developing countries. According to Budiani‐Saberi & Delmonico (2008), organ transplants in countries that have loose legal structures accommodate the organ market and this contributes to the prevalence of illegal transplants. According to Sharif, Singh, Trey, & Lavee (2014), of the total global transplant activity, 10% involves illegal organ trades. This illegal activity results in an annual income of between $600 million and $1.2 billion (Sharif, Singh, Trey, & Lavee, 2014). This paper examines the literature to unearth significant issues related to illegal organ transplants. In the sections that follow, the paper examines the major sources of organs, the relationship between tourism and illegal organ transplants, and the potential solutions to the problem.
Major Organ Sources
Developing countries around the world, particularly in Asia, are the major sources of illegal organs. While organs can be transported overseas to other countries, other recipients prefer touring the countries to receive organ transplants. According to Danovitch, et al. (2013), impoverished people in countries such as India, Philippines, Egypt, and Pakistan are the common sources of the illegal organs. In addition, deceased donors from Colombia, and executed prisoners in China also make up the major sources of illegal organ transplants (Danovitch, et al., 2013). According to Sharif, Singh, Trey, & Lavee (2014), China has the most controversial and by far the largest exploitation of death row prisoners. The authors note that the country’s practice of procuring organs from executed prisoners has received international condemnation. In most of these countries that make up the sources, the legal framework is weak. In addition, the crime continues to thrive because of poverty (Danovitch, et al., 2013) and corruption (Glase...