Ethical Issues and Transplant Tourism

Abstract

Thousands of patients travel to a foreign destination for organ transplantation each year. Many become customers in the global organ market: “transplant tourists” who risk their own lives and endanger those of impoverished organ vendors. This chapter reviews the hazards of transplant tourism and dispels some of the myths used to justify cross-border trade. Evidence shows that such trade is not mutually beneficial, exacerbates existing shortages of organs in destination countries, and exploits social vulnerabilities rather than global moral pluralism. Following this, the ways in which organs may be responsibly exchanged across borders are discussed, and the importance of transparency in policy and practice is highlighted. The impact of legislation prohibiting organ trafficking and trade is examined and additional strategies to discourage harmful travel for transplantation are outlined. These include efforts by professional societies to guide ethical practice and the implementation of multifaceted policies by national authorities to promote self-sufficiency in donation and transplantation.