International Trafficking in Human Organs (From Organised Crime, Trafficking, Drugs: Selected Papers Presented at the Annual Conference of the European Society of Criminology, Helsinki 2003, P 226-232, 2004, Sami Nevala and Kauko Aromaa, eds. -- See NCJ-207791)

• NCJ Number: 207799
• Author(s): G. V. Travaini; S. Garibaldo; V. Arcari; R. Molteni
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: United Nations European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI)
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press; Academic Bookstore
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Finland

Annotation

This paper examines the growth of international human organ trafficking through an exploration of the situation in the countries of India, China, and Iran.

Abstract

The success and continued progress in organ transplantation is viewed as one of the most powerful medical advances in the 20th century. However, there is a dramatic shortage of organs causing a wide gap between demand and supply and opening the door to criminal exploitation. This paper analyzes organ commercialization from a criminological and medical-legal point of view, focusing on the possible difficulties which may emerge when responding to trafficking in human organs. The paper specifically examines this situation of human organ trafficking in the countries of India, China, and Iran. In understanding the difficulties in maintaining an organ in perfect condition for an implant and the risk of being caught by customs of states where it is illegal to sell organs, it seems possible to suggest that these kinds of transplants are conducted in countries where laws are not strict. The kidney in particular is seen as a primary organ product due to the ease in the surgical approach. There are many arguments supporting organ commerce. However, proposals to introduce commerce in organ transplantation have been unanimously rejected by national and international medical organizations and parliaments. Further studies which monitor the development of the phenomenon and analyze the motivations which undermine legal measures against this crime are recommended.