Organ Trafficking

There is a worldwide shortage of organ donors, and most people on the waiting list will most likely die before a suitable organ can be found.

Sometimes, patients will resort to nearly any means necessary to obtain a healthy organ – even if this involves illegal practices. The international illegal trade of organs is a shockingly popular industry that operates in the shadows. In China, “all-inclusive packages” are still being offered today, which provides the client with a full transplant service that includes an organ, costing up to 250,000 dollars. This may be illegal, but it’s in high demand. What potential alternatives are there? Are organs from animals a viable solution that could be used in humans? Could 3D printed organs be an answer to the problem?