Organ Trafficking

1094 Words3 Pages

There should be a call for stricter regulation of post-mortem human tissue. It would seem obvious that what is of paramount value in life would necessarily depreciate in death. This in not true of the human body. With the emergence of biotechnology and the consequent need for post-mortem human tissue, the human cadaver has become quite valuable. In pieces and parts or in its entirety, organizations will pay top dollar for the human body, even after it houses the human spirit.

Throughout history, civilizations have found uses for the bodies, organs and tissue of the dead. The potential for the human cadaver is ever-expanding. “Since 1954, human organs have been successfully transplanted into living recipients who would otherwise die.” (Ranee Khooshie Lal Panjab) Modern researchers use cadaver tissue to study physiological processes and conduct testing. Clinicians restore transplant recipient functions through procedures that include skin grafts and cornea transplants. Cadavers are essential to medical school anatomy classes, forensic experts measuring body decomposition, and testers of impact safety. Undoubtedly, the need for donated cadavers is limitless.

Donor and family kindness encompass the underpinning of the human tissue donation system in the United States. Under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA), adopted by all 50 states, a donor may give all or a part of their body for purposes such as medical education, research and transplantation. “Donation is achieved through one of several procedures. An Individual who is at least 18 years old may accomplish a donation via a will or donor card.” (Ranee Khooshie Lal Panjab) Next of kin consent also makes organ donation possible. Organ and tissue donation is regarded as a ...

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... informed consent and the disclosure of tissue bank finances. Additionally, critics warn that the FDA does not possess sufficient resources in terms of money or manpower to fully implement the legislation. With that, the urge for greater regulation of the post-mortem human tissue industry is extremely high.

Sited Sources

Mclay, Kathleen. "UC Berkley News." Berkley News, 30 04 2004. Web. 23 Feb 2011.

Khooshie Lal Panjabi, Ranee. "The Sum of a Human’s Parts: Global Organ Trafficking in the Twenty-First Century." 28.1 (2010): 144-1. Print.

Anteby, Michel. "A Market For Human Cadavers In All But Name?." Working Knowledge. N.p., 05 11 2009. Web. 23 Feb 2011.

Ireland, Corydon . "Harvard Science." Harvard News Office. Harvard News , 14 02 2008. Web. 23 Feb 2011.

Josefson, Deborah. "Human Tissue For Sale ." PubMed. PubMed, 11 2000. Web. 23 Feb 2011.

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