Prevention of Trafficking in Organs, Tissues, and Cells

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Transplantation
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Trafficking in human organs, cells, and tissues (substances of human origin - SoHOs) is a persistent global issue, despite international prohibitions.
• While organ trafficking receives attention, trafficking in cells, tissues, and derived medical products is less understood and under-researched.
• Existing ethical guidance and national laws aim to prohibit trade in SoHOs, yet trafficking persists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate actionable recommendations for preventing trafficking in all SoHOs.
• To review factors contributing to persistent SoHO trafficking.
• To highlight the need for improved international guidance, training, and regulatory frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Convened an ethics working group at the 2023 Global Summit on Convergence in Transplantation.
• Reviewed factors influencing SoHO trafficking.
• Explored challenges in data collection and reporting on trafficking activities.
• Discussed the role of psychosocial evaluation for living donors.

Main Results:

• Persistent trafficking of SoHOs is influenced by various factors.
• Significant difficulties exist in collecting and reporting data on suspected trafficking.
• There is a critical need for more practical, consistent international guidance, training, and regulatory frameworks.
• Psychosocial evaluation of living donors is crucial for detecting and preventing organ trafficking.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced international collaboration, data sharing, and regulatory frameworks are essential to combat SoHO trafficking.
• Minimum standards for psychosocial evaluation of living donors should be implemented to prevent organ trafficking.
• Addressing trafficking in all SoHOs requires a comprehensive and coordinated global approach.