It has been reported that cash incentives may now be offered to people in order to increase the number of organ donations.

To take into consideration of the opinions of the general public, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics has initiated a three-month consultation program. Britons will be asked whether they agree to idea of providing monetary benefits to people who donate eggs and sperms or whether is its suitable to take care of the funeral expenses of organ donors. The incentives are meant to bridge the shortage in supply.

The foundation for this incentive scheme is based on the fact that Britain hosts one the lowest rates of organ donation. There are at 13 donors per million of population, compared with 35 person per million in Spain. The number in Spain is high since the country has a presumed consent system, where everyone is taken to be a donor, until they personally opt out of donation.

This is just another scheme to get people to donate more. However, adding incentives to donation would lead to the commoditization of organs, eggs or sperms. There will be many donors who will not donate out of pure altruistic spirit, but will do so for monetary benefits alone. This may lead to exploitation of donors from economically backward backgrounds. Some may even be pushed into donation by their families just so that money can be accrued from their donations.

On the other hand, if the scheme does prove successful, it will save the lives of thousands of people who die due to the dearth of organs each year. However, it is up to the Government to put a check to nefarious practices where organ donation is concerned. The scheme can reach its desired goal if the Government is successful in striking the right balance.