Generally, do you think it would ever be a good idea to offer payments to people to donate a kidney (outside of reimbursement for medical and certain other expenses, as is currently allowed)?

The number of individuals in the United States who are on waiting lists for a kidney transplant far exceeds the number of available organs. It typically takes years for patients with end-stage renal disease to receive a transplant.

Various strategies have been tried to boost the number of available donor kidneys, including kidney paired donation and the use of expanded criteria donor kidneys.

Some individuals have suggested that monetary payments be used encourage live donors to offer a kidney, although buying organs is currently prohibited by federal law.

Renal & Urology News would like to know where you stand on this, so please answer the following poll question:

Generally, do you think it would ever be a good idea to offer payments to people to donate a kidney?
Leave a comment below to explain your choice.

From the November 01, 2012 Issue of Renal and Urology News