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Document Type

Article

Abstract

In 1984, organ donation was formally organized in the United States under the National Transplant Act. The legislation established many necessary institutions, but did not address the issue of rising demand and stagnant supply. Altruists believe education is the answer, but this approach has sentenced thousands to death. Commercialization of organ procurement is a viable solution. Commercializing the procurement sector will increase efficiency, alleviate shortages, and save lives. The policy and legal implications are complex but a basic outline for a commercialized system is derived from researchers’ suggestions, economics, and lessons from the commercialized sperm donation system. Objections to commercialization are discussed, but these objections are not as important as saving lives.

Publication Date

Spring 2002

Journal Title

Major Themes in Economics

Volume

4

Issue

1

First Page

49

Last Page

69

Copyright

©2002 by Major Themes in Economics

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Included in

Economics Commons

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