The illicit Organ Trade: Biographical, Anatomical, Economic and Legal Aspects

[Clark]

https://zenodo.org/records/17591291

The illicit Organ Trade: Biographical, Anatomical, Economic and Legal Aspects

JOURNAL
OF
ACADEMICS STAND AGAINST POVERTY
Volume 6, 2025: pages 86-102
Research Paper
Journal of Academics Stand Against Poverty, 2025, 6, 86-102
The Illicit Organ Trade:
Biographical, Anatomical, Economic and Legal Aspects
Nater Paul Akpen
College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria. ORCID: 0009-0009-0446-1043
e-ISSN 2690-3458 ISSN 2690-3431

A kidney can cost up to USD 200,000. Humans have two kidneys but normally require just one to live. Individuals can donate one to relatives for altruistic reasons. But to pay USD 200,000 - or any other amount - to obtain a kidney, no country in the world allows that. Except for Iran. This global blanket ban has pushed the trade of organs underground and it now ranks as the fourth most lucrative illegal activity – behind only drugs, arms, and human trafficking. Rising incidence of end-stage kidney disease will increase demand for replacement kidneys, both gifted and bought. This essay studies this trade using two case studies, one of a Nigerian leading legislator arrested in the UK for getting a kidney for his daughter and another on kidney demand in Iran where trade in organs is permitted. The global value of the trade is studied, and literature gaps are discussed. The inadequacies of the current system are highlighted and improvements suggested, based on best practices around the world.

[Karli]

To anyone reading this a loved one fighting kidney disease: I am ready to be tested to see if I can be their living kidney donor. My commitment is to a process that is 100% legal, ethical, and guided by medical professionals to ensure everyone's safety. If you have a mother, father, spouse, or friend in need, please have their transplant coordinator contact me. Let's see if I can help give them the future they deserve.

[Clark]

Dear Karli,

  Welcome! We hope you find answers to questions here and the support other donors can provide as you walk this path. May I suggest you consider starting with your primary care physician, and in addition to asking their thoughts on your intentions, ask them which nearby facility would they suggest you start at? If you intend to make a donation and do not yet have a recipient in mind, any transplant center can help you become a non-directed donor to a person in need. Best wishes!