001: The Venezuelan Trafficking Dilemma

There are many ways in which a heart can be stolen. Kind words, chocolate, flowers… or under a scalpel. Most people are oblivious to the terrible practice of organ trafficking and theft, where anything from hearts to kidneys are cut out of unassuming bodies with the intent to be sold.

Venezuela is a country capturing the world’s eye as hyperinflation and shortage plague its people. But it is lesser known that this country also serves as a hub for trafficking—including that of organs. Despite trafficking of humans for the purpose of organ removal, and organ trade being illegal over the world, the black market thrives under the noses of the government. According to the World Health Organization, over ten thousand such transactions take place Taking place majorly in lesser developed countries which have more pressing issues to address, organ trafficking conveniently becomes a business that slips through the fingers of officials wishing to put a stop to it. However, it is essential that it be addressed to prevent the loss of innocent lives.

Image credits to The Washington Post (hyperlinked)

The shadow economy is allowed to thrive due to a lack of an item in the white market. Drugs, arms, and illicit services are sparse in legitimate markets and therefore found in abundance in the black market. Similarly, as of now, organ trade is not permitted in countries except for Iran. Since the demand for organs is high, currently these organs are obtained and sold illegally.

Many times, the ways in which these organs are obtained are horrific—something straight out of a nightmare. As told to Al Jazeera, "He was travelling with his wife and they [gangsters] took both of them. They [gangsters] put them in separate rooms. He heard his wife screaming," said Antonio Medina when referencing his friend's experience.

There is an obvious method to halting the growing organ market. By creating a licit one, the illegal one would significantly reduce in stature. One way to do so is by using the concept of three dimensional bioprinting to sell organs.

Organs can be made relatively quickly, easily, and customizable, as compared to transplants. They also have the advantage of being safer and more reliable. Essentially, bioprinting could help alleviate the demand for organs placed on the black market... And as per the standards of laissez faire, or a free market, supply and demand are the constituents which determine value.

In conclusion, bioprinting could provide serious aid to the problem prevailing amongst not just Venezuelans, but people from all over the world. By reducing the need for a black market and providing legal goods which are more efficient, organ theft would diminish as a whole.

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