British Transplantation Society criticizes the alleged use of organs without consent from prisoners executed in China
(April 19, 2006) EMBARGOED until 00:30 hrs Wednesday 19 April 2006
The British Transplantation Society (BTS) has today criticized the unethical procurement of transplant organs from prisoners executed in the Peoples Republic of China
An accumulating body of evidence suggests that the organs of executed prisoners are being removed for transplantation without the prior consent of either the prisoner or their family.
This process of organ procurement and the subsequent transplants are known to involve payment of money and may implicate transplant centres, patients, and the authorities and judiciary responsible for the prisoners.
The precise numbers of transplants performed using organs derived from executed prisoners is unknown but the figure is thought to be in the thousands.
These allegations suggest that there are repeated breaches of the human rights of prisoners in the Peoples Republic of China.
Speaking on behalf of the BTS Stephen Wigmore, Chairman of the BTS Ethics Committee, said:
"The British Transplantation Society condemns unreservedly any activity that transgresses an individual's human rights or involves the coercion of an individual to become an organ donor.
" The alleged use of organs from executed prisoners without consent is considered a breach of human rights and is an unacceptable practice.
“A reported close relationship between transplant units and the authorities regulating executions and the availability of organs is unethical.
“The alleged sale of organs derived from executed prisoners for financial gain is a lamentable practice.
“Aware also of the burden of human suffering that flows from the World-wide shortages of ethically acceptable organs, any act that risks calling the practice of transplantation into disrepute is to be regretted."
NOTE TO EDITORS
This press release is prepared by the British Transplantation Society Ethics Committee on behalf of the British Transplantation Society Executive and Ordinary members.
(boxun.com)
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