By Kaitlyn Schaeffer
The great demand for organs worldwide has many serious consequences. Chief among them is the creation of an organ black market; as of 2014, more than 27 million people have been killed for or forced into giving up their organs.
In India, instances of black market organ trafficking are skyrocketing. Vulnerable populations, such as children and the homeless, are the most frequent targets. While sometimes individuals survive these extractions, lethal complications commonly ensue during quick and dirty procedures, and often individuals are left to die so the perpetrators cannot be identified, or because vital organs (heart or lungs) were removed.
“A heart or lung can be sold for about $875,000,” says human organ trafficking specialist Allen Smith. And this can increase depending on need.
Recipients are often unaware that they have received illegal organs, and this problem will persist so long as ignorance does. The best way to end black market organ trafficking is by asking questions and raising awareness.
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