BMJ  2006;333:51 (1 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7557.51

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Thinking the unthinkable: selling kidneys

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The call by two US renal specialists for active consideration of "the controlled initiation and study of potential regimens that may increase donor kidney supply in the future in a scientifically and ethically responsible manner" through cash payments is an uncomfortable challenge (Kidney International 2006;69: 960-2[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]). However, it is not one that necessarily requires us to venture far into new territory. We already have well regulated tariffs for the valuing of various body parts, including kidneys. And the valuation that the two specialists suggest—$40 000 (£22 000; 32 000), which prize winning economist—is compatible with these tariffs.

We already permit the sale of body parts and fluids on the market model

Several "incentive models" (American Journal of Transplantation 2005;5: 15-20) already operate for the involvement of people in medical activities that do not benefit themselves directly. . . . [Full text of this article]

Centre for Medical Education, Dundee University Medical School s.l.roff@dundee.ac.uk

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This article has been cited by other articles:

• Kranenburg, L., Schram, A., Zuidema, W., Weimar, W., Hilhorst, M., Hessing, E., Passchier, J., Busschbach, J. (2008). Public survey of financial incentives for kidney donation. Nephrol Dial Transplant 23: 1039-1042 [Abstract] [Full text]  
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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Selling kidneys: An indecent proposal?

R K Mohindra
bmj.com, 1 Jul 2006 [Full text]

No harm in selling kidneys in a world where body and soul are on sale every day (and night)

Kuldip P Anand MD, et al.
bmj.com, 5 Jul 2006 [Full text]

A two-part payment scheme for live kidney donors.

Stephen Jan, et al.
bmj.com, 20 Jul 2006 [Full text]

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