Organ Market pt3 - Iran's Legal Kidney Market

Question 1

Who controls Iran’s legal market for kidneys?

Answer 1

The Government manage the legal kidney market through the Kidney Foundation of Iran.

• The Kidney Foundation of Iran connects buyers and sellers and set the price of $4,600.
• The Government also cover the cost of the surgery.

(Bengali and Mostaghim 2017).

Question 2

How has the legalisation of the Kidney market in Iran been successful?

Answer 2

• Reduced waiting time and therefore more transplants - Over 30,000 kidney transplants since 1993.
• Offers a legal and safer alternative to the black market.
• Enables individuals to earn money legally to escape poverty.

(Bengali and Mostaghim 2017).

Question 3

How has the legalisation of the Kidney market in Iran been seen as unsuccessful?

Answer 3

• Exploitation of the poor - Poorer people who are desperate for money are more likely to donate than wealthier people.
• Long-term wellbeing of the donors - It is difficult to imply if legalisation has been successful because the donors’ quality of life is likely to decline over time and they may need another transplant in years to come. Therefore increasing demand again but also could reduce their life expectancy.
  (e.g. Chinese kid sold his kidney for iPhone and iPad is bed-ridden).
• Ethical issues over creating a market for organs that are required to live.

(Bengali and Mostaghim 2017).