“This one is by far my most important objection: right now both the law and the taboo against selling organs applies to all organs. But if we make an exception for kidneys, does that weaken the taboo and make it more likely that markets will develop in other organs? Obviously it wouldn’t for donations that would kill you, but how about corneas? You’ve got two of ‘em, after all. Or maybe a piece of one lung? Or a chunk of something else. And then another chunk. Would venture capitalists start insisting on organ donations from entrepreneurs to prove their seriousness before they put up money of their own? Could a bank ask a bankruptcy judge to demand a kidney donation in order to pay off a loan?”
Kevin Drum weighs in on the sell-your-kidney debate
