{"id":355802,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/can-i-sell-an-organ.html"},"modified":"2026-08-10T10:21:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T15:21:00","slug":"can-i-sell-an-organ","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/can-i-sell-an-organ.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I Sell an Organ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can I Sell an Organ?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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You can\u2019t legally sell an organ in the United States because federal law bans any sale of human organs or tissue. While donors may receive limited reimbursement for certain donation\u2011related expenses, any payment beyond those costs is illegal. These rules exist to prevent exploitation, protect vulnerable people, and maintain an ethical, safe organ donation system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In theory, organ transplantation is simple. An ill person needs an organ to live. Their medical team procures an organ. A transplant surgeon retrieves the organ from the donor and transplants it into the organ recipient. Both parties recover and go on with their lives.<\/p>\n

The reality of organ transplantation is much different. There is\u00a0a national and global organ shortage. There are more people on organ waiting lists than potential donors. The temptation to sell or buy an organ is significant in our current climate, but our organ donation system is best for everyone’s well-being.<\/p>\n

This article explores organ scarcity, organ transplantation, and organ procurement laws.<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re facing a decision that affects your health or a loved one\u2019s future, expert legal help is available. Contact\u00a0an <\/span>attorney in your area<\/a> for legal advice targeted to your situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Organ Scarcity<\/h2>\n

The demand for viable human organs is so high that approximately 17 people in the United States die each day\u00a0waiting for an organ transplant<\/a>. Someone is added to the transplant waiting list every eight minutes. The supply of organs is often insufficient to meet the demands of ill patients.<\/p>\n

The wealthy can take advantage of “transplant tourism<\/a>,” where people in need of a transplant travel to a country with lax or nonexistent regulations. Such cases raise ethical issues because many organ donors in these countries are poor, disadvantaged, and unaware of organ donation risks.<\/p>\n

They are also susceptible to predatory organ brokers who don’t view them as human beings, but rather as a collection of saleable body parts. Many risk post-surgical complications that outweigh any financial incentive. The recipient also faces risks if the donor organ is not adequately screened.<\/p>\n

Illegal organ markets are detrimental to global public health, especially in developing nations.<\/p>\n

How Does Organ Procurement Work?<\/h2>\n

There are two ways to procure organs. The first is through organ donation, and the second is from a living donor.<\/p>\n

Organ Donation<\/h3>\n

The\u00a0Uniform Anatomical Gift Act<\/a>\u00a0(UAGA) ensures that all states have similar laws governing organ donation. The Act prohibits the commercialization of organ donation.<\/p>\n

The UAGA also outlines organ donors’ methods to consent to organ donation.<\/p>\n

These methods of consent include the following:<\/p>\n