Big money, growing demand fuel black market for kidneys and more
(NEWSER) - The illegal organ trade around the world is booming, with almost 11,000 organs bought on the black market in 2010, according to a World Health Organization estimate. That works out to more than one per hour, calculates the Guardian ; it takes a specific look at kidneys, which make up some 70% of the organs in question. Much of the kidney trade occurs in China, India, and Pakistan, where an operation can cost a needy patient up to $200,000, although the gangs often behind the surgeries pay people as little as $5,000 in exchange for their much-needed organ. More»