Are you thinking about buying an organ? Read this first
This page explains what the consequences of buying or selling an organ can be. We want to help you avoid making the wrong choice.
For many people with a seriously ill organ, a transplant is the best treatment. During a transplant, you receive an organ from a donor. This is done in a hospital by doctors.
An organ can come from:
- someone who has died;
- a living donor (only for a kidney or part of the liver).
Donation is always voluntary. For living donation, strict rules apply. The donor and the patient are thoroughly examined and supported. This ensures the operation is as safe as possible.
In the case of donation after death, the organ is first checked for quality and safety.
What is organ trafficking?
Sometimes organs are sold for money. This is called organ trafficking. This often happens via intermediaries or companies.
In the Netherlands, and in most other countries, organ trafficking is illegal. It is not part of regular healthcare and health insurance does not reimburse this. Traveling abroad to buy an organ there is also a criminal offense.
Why do we advise against buying an organ?
Buying an organ sometimes seems like a solution, but has major disadvantages:
- The medical care is not always safe or good.
- There is a higher chance of complications or death.
- Vulnerable people can be exploited.
Therefore, doctors advise always using regular healthcare.
What are the risks for you as a patient?
With commercial transplants, the medical care is often less well-regulated.
Before the surgery
- Important medical information may be missing.
- You are sometimes not properly examined.
- Serious illnesses can therefore be missed.
During and after the surgery
- The surgery is sometimes performed in poor clinics.
- The chance of problems during the surgery is higher.
- Infections and death occur more frequently.
After the surgery
- You might not receive the correct medications.
- Data about your treatment is often missing.
- Doctors in the Netherlands may find it difficult to help you.
- Also, traveling shortly after the surgery is not safe. This can cause extra problems, such as thrombosis or poor wound healing.
What are the risks for the donor?
People who sell an organ often do so because they are in a difficult situation. For example, due to debt.
Before the surgery
- Donors do not always receive proper explanation.
- They sometimes do not understand the risks well.
- The medical examination may be insufficient.
During and after the surgery
- The care is sometimes not good.
- Problems are not always treated.
- There is often no proper follow-up care.
In the long term
- Donors can develop health problems.
- They may become less able to work and lose income.
- They often receive only a small portion of the money.
There may also be other consequences:
- regret or disappointment;
- family problems;
- less access to good healthcare.
Many donors say afterwards that their situation has not improved.
Is organ trafficking safe and fair?
No. Organ trafficking often leads to inequality and exploitation. People in difficult situations are disadvantaged. That is why many countries consider this unsafe and unfair.
What is being done about it?
Governments and hospitals are working together to combat organ trafficking. For example by:
- tackling illegal clinics;
- investigating organizations and intermediaries;
- informing people about the risks.
Sometimes people are punished for this.
What can you do?
Do you need an organ transplant? Always discuss this with your doctor.
You can:
- together check if you are eligible;
- receive information about the waiting list;
- explore whether a living donor is possible and discuss how to find a living donor.
In the Netherlands, there are clear rules. Attention is paid to safety and proper guidance.
Finally
Buying an organ might seem like a quick solution. But it brings major risks, for you and for others. A hospital transplant is the safest choice.
Good to know
Since July 1, 2026, there has been a reporting office in the Netherlands. Doctors must report if someone travels abroad for a transplant. The doctor does not judge. The information is only used to gain more insight. It is not intended to track down or punish people.