Over the past decade the number of patients in need of an organ transplant has increased dramatically. The shortage of organs each year increases the number of patients on the waiting list and has deprived many people from a new life. There are over 100,000 Americans on the waiting list and overage 19 people did each day from the lack of an organ transplant (Abouna 1). Between the years 1988 to 2006, the number patients in need for a transplant has increased times six (Abouna 2). Creating a potential organ market in the United States will offer an effective solution to the organ shortage crisis.
It is important to understand that there are organs that a person can live without and does not have significant health issues. For example, the Pope Frances had a lung removed when he was a teenager and has survived over forty decades (Doubner 1). According to Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonologist, people can survive without an entire lung without affecting the daily life (Doubner 1). Humans have two kidneys but only one is needed to survive. According to the National Kidney Foundation, people with only one kidney have few or no health problems and life expectancy is the same as someone with two kidneys. The lungs and kidneys are commonly in high demand for organ transplant; however, a person can live without a spleen, stomach, colon, reproductive organs and appendix. Estrada 2 Individuals who consider they have optimal health should be giving the opportunity to sell one of their kidneys or a lung on eBay. This is an effective solution that will attract the attention of many people. According the Wikipedia there are more than 19 million users and over two million users each day on eBay. While many people use eBay to make money, others take advantage of a bargain. Once eBay participants realize that there is a possibility to make an extra income, there is no doubt that many individuals will consider selling a one of their organs.
Cited: Dubner, Stephen J. "Human Organs for Sale, Legally, in … Which Country?." Freak Economics. N.p., 29 04 2008. Web. 13 Dec 2013. . Hippen , Benjamin E. Organ Sales and Moral Travails: Lessons from the Living Kidney Vendor Program in Iran. Policy Analysis.14 (2008): 1-10. Web. 13 Dec. 2013. . Dubner, Stephen J. Flesh Trade . N.p., 09 06 2006. Web. 13 Dec 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/09/magazine/09wwln_freak.html Andre, Claire, and Manuel Velasquez. "Santa Clara University." Kidneys for Sale. N.p.. Web. 13 Dec 2013. . "Donate Life America." Statistics . N.p.. Web. 13 Dec 2013. . Abouna, GM. "Organ shortage crisis: problems and possible solutions.." (2008): 1-5. Web. 13 Dec. 2013. .