The organ trade exists due to a shortage of organs for transplantation while demand is increasing due to medical advances. Organ trafficking involves the illegal removal and sale of organs, often exploiting vulnerable donors through deception, coercion, or even removal of organs without consent. The causes of organ trafficking include rising rates of organ failure diseases, advances making organ transplantation more feasible, and desperation of those needing an organ to survive.

1. Organ Trafficking
« The organ trade exists because there is
an organ and tissue shortage whereas the
demand is stimulated by the medical and
surgical advances »
Christian Le Fort,
president of France ADOT(Association for organ donation)

2. Introduction
● 1828, case of the Doctor
Robert Knox, Edinburgh

3. ● In the 80s, the « transplantation
tourism » : rich Asians went to India in
order to get organs from poor donors.

4. 1) Definition and causes
● What is an organ trafficking ?
The illegal organ trade is a form of
widespread organized crime where organs
are illegaly obtained and traded for
transplantation.

5. ● 3 main categories :
- cases where traffickers force or deceive the
donors to give up an organ
- cases where the donors agree to sell an
organ, these victims are usually cheated out
of money
- organs are removed without the
victims'knowledge

6. ● Causes :
- increase in diabetes, livers and heart
diseases : rising of the demand of organs
- medical advances that have made it
easier to take parts of the liver, lungs and
kidneys from live donors
- when you face the death, you do anything
you can to save your life

7. 2) Organ trade in the world
● 1 person dies every 90 minutes waiting for an
organ transplant surgery
● Ilegal trade increases in developed
countries due to shortage of organ donation

8. ● Attempted to legalize selling
organs for a profit in 1994.
● Organs are sold online. Many
doctors participate to earn
extra money.
● Because of the corruption in
India, organ trafficking is
prevalent almost everywhere.

9. ● China has the lowest donor rate in the world
● It has 1,5 million people in need of new organs
and only 10,000 a year get one legally.
● 90 % of organs from China are from deceased
prisoners

10. ● The leader in illegal organ
trafficking. Moldova
● Every 6 minutes an organ
is being removed from a
Moldovan and sold.
● Moldovan government has
no laws or restrictions
against illegal organ
trafficking

11. ● Iran is the only country in the world where
selling an organ for a profit is legal.
● Usually sellers earn about $1,000 to $2,000 for
a kidney.

12. A popular urban legend warns against
getting drunk with strangers in Las
Vegas, lest you awaken in an ice bath,
missing a kidney.
(cf. Made To Stick)

13. Opinion poll
● How much does a heart cost in
Taiwan ?
● How much for a liver in China ?
● A lung in South Africa ?

14. → Heart from Taiwan = $290,000 = €225,000
→ Liver from China = $130,000 = €100,000
→ Lung from South Africa = $290,000 = €225,000

15. Debate
● What do you think about organ trade ?
(shocked ? taboo subject ? …)
● Would you be willing to buy an organ to
save your life ?
(in spite of the exorbitant price, ethical issue...)

16. ● What could be the solutions to avoid the
organ trade ?
(international law more rigorous ? By developing
awareness about organ donation ? …)
● Would you be willing to donate one of
your organs ?

17. Thank you
Alice & Marie