Patrick Sawer wrote an article in 2003, targeting specifically Britain, about the importance of legalizing the sale of human organs. He references, "Professor Nadey Hakim, president of the Royal Society of Medicine's transplant committee". His findings support the idea of regulating the sale of organs. Patrick then goes on to discuss massive donor shortages. over 5,600 people at the time in Britain were in line for transplants. People are going to more countries where the sale of human organs are legalized. therefore organs are very needed.

The demand for organ donations, particularly kidneys, far exceeds the available supply, with thousands of patients dying annually while waiting for a transplant. Dialysis, which many kidney failure patients rely on, is only partially effective and associated with severe complications, whereas transplant patients tend to have better long-term outcomes. While there are ethical debates surrounding the sale of organs, the current system in the U.S. faces issues of scarcity and illegal black markets. Iran's regulated market for live organ donations provides a model where donors receive compensation, ensuring safety and fairness without exploiting the poor. Supporters argue that legalizing regulated organ sales in the U.S. could reduce waiting lists, lower costs, and prevent unethical black market practices. Critics, however, fear exploitation and coercion of the poor, though similar concerns do not apply to other risky or compensated jobs.

The article discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding the sale of human organs, a practice illegal in the U.S. under the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984, despite a significant shortage of transplantable organs. Proponents of legalizing organ sales argue it could address the shortage and fairly compensate donors, while critics raise concerns about informed consent, particularly for the poor, who may be coerced or manipulated into selling their organs due to financial desperation. The commodification of body parts is also problematic, as it risks reducing individuals to mere commodities, undermining the inviolability of the human body. Additionally, a commercial organ market would likely exploit the poor, benefiting the wealthy while putting vulnerable individuals at risk, as the financial compensation may not be worth the health risks involved. Ultimately, while legalizing organ sales could alleviate the organ shortage, it poses deep ethical issues, reflecting a tragic choice between addressing an immediate need and maintaining human dignity and fairness.

The article discusses the critical shortage of organ donations in the U.S., where 68,000 people are waiting for organ transplants, and 12 Americans die each day due to a lack of available organs. Despite efforts like the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act and various state initiatives, altruism has proven insufficient to close the gap between supply and demand.

The article proposes a solution: a government-regulated, posthumous organ market. This market would allow for the sale of organs after death, with oversight from the FDA to ensure fairness and prevent abuse. The system would focus on posthumous donations, where individuals could consent to sell their organs upon death, with the proceeds going to their estate.

While objections exist—such as fears of exploitation, unhealthy organs, and ethical concerns—the article suggests that regulation could mitigate these risks. Drawing parallels to existing markets for blood, tissue, and reproductive cells, it argues that a controlled organ market could address the organ shortage and save lives. Key safeguards would include mental health screenings, informed consent, and prohibitions on organ sales by family members without the decedent’s prior consent.

Ultimately, the article advocates for a regulated market as a necessary step to meet the increasing demand for organs and to save lives.