Why not compensate the families of deceased organ donors?

South Africa needs a discussion about compensating the families of deceased organ donors.

There are at present about 4 300 South Africans awaiting organ and cornea transplants. From the earliest days of organ transplantation, there has been a shortage of organs. It has often been proposed that compensation for donation may rectify this severe problem. However, our law prohibits compensation in order to prevent the trafficking of human body parts. This and the perceived difficulties in implementing such a system is why one cannot receive any form of compensation for being an organ donor in South Africa.

The debate over compensation for organ transplantation is often deeply divided, because the stakes are indeed high. Barriers to willingness to donate include education, access, social, economic, religious and cultural factors. Resolving this issue has extensive legal, social and health ramifications. Re-evaluation of our laws could make compensation the appropriate remedy; it provides an incentive for donation by acknowledging the donor’s efforts and providing them or their family with some sort of remuneration. It is also important to remember that family members have the final say in the organ donation process after the death of a loved one.

There is no denying that compensation may be a vital tool to increase donor numbers. The ethical debate surrounding compensation is increasingly relevant to ensure that compensation bypasses illegal organ trading and the undermining of religious and sociocultural beliefs. The dire need for donor organs makes the need for discussion and debate all the more significant. – Natasha Coleman and Professor Jonathan Klaaren