Desperate Measures: Kidney Sales Surge in Myanmar
In the wake of Myanmar’s ongoing civil unrest, a troubling trend has emerged: individuals are resorting to selling their kidneys to alleviate crippling debt and poverty. Zeya, a farm worker, shared his harrowing experience of selling his kidney to secure financial stability for his family. His story highlights the grim reality of illegal organ trading in the region, exacerbated by the economic fallout from the military coup in 2021.
Desperation Drives Kidney Sales
Amidst the turmoil following the military coup in Myanmar, many families are struggling to make ends meet. Zeya, who lives with his family in his mother-in-law’s house, found himself overwhelmed by debt and unable to provide for his children. “I just wanted to own a house and pay off my debts,” he explained, which led him to consider selling his kidney. He learned about others in his community who had taken similar steps and decided to explore this desperate option.
According to Zeya, he is one of eight individuals in his area who have sold a kidney, traveling to India for the procedure. The economic crisis has pushed many into dire situations, prompting them to seek out illegal avenues for financial relief. Zeya’s story is a stark reminder of how poverty can drive individuals to make life-altering decisions in search of a better future.
Facilitating the Transaction
Despite the illegality of organ trading in both Myanmar and India, Zeya quickly found a broker who facilitated the sale. The broker arranged medical tests and informed Zeya that a potential recipient had been found. To navigate the legal requirements in India, the broker forged documents to create a false familial relationship between Zeya and the recipient, a Burmese woman. This deception was crucial, as Indian law mandates that organ donations between non-relatives must be altruistic.
After meeting the recipient in Yangon, Zeya was warned by a man posing as a doctor that he would incur significant fees if he backed out of the deal. Zeya was promised 7.5 million Myanmar kyats (approximately $1,700 to $2,700), a sum that would provide him with much-needed financial relief. He underwent the surgery in a large Indian hospital, where he was interviewed by a panel to confirm his willingness to donate. Despite the risks involved, Zeya felt compelled to proceed, driven by the pressing need to support his family.
Consequences of the Trade
The illegal organ trade is not limited to Zeya’s case; it has become a widespread issue across Asia, with many individuals resorting to similar measures. Another donor, Myo Win, recounted his experience of pretending to be related to a stranger to facilitate a kidney sale. He was instructed by the broker on what to say during the assessment process, including a fabricated story about his relationship with the recipient. Both Zeya and Myo Win received a portion of the payment upfront, further entrenching them in the transaction.
The economic landscape in Myanmar has deteriorated significantly since the coup, with unemployment rates soaring and poverty levels rising sharply. The United Nations Development Programme reports that the percentage of people living in poverty has increased from 25% in 2017 to 50% in 2023. This dire situation has led many to consider illegal organ sales as a means of survival, despite the inherent risks and legal ramifications.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Globally, the demand for organ transplants far exceeds supply, with the World Health Organization estimating that only 10% of the need is met. The illegal trade in human organs remains a complex issue, with poverty often driving individuals to sell their organs. In India, recent police investigations have uncovered kidney trafficking rings, leading to arrests of medical professionals involved in these illicit activities.
As the situation unfolds, health officials in India have raised concerns about the increasing number of foreign nationals seeking organ transplants. The Indian government has called for stricter monitoring of such procedures to prevent exploitation. Meanwhile, Zeya and Myo Win reflect on their decisions, expressing a mix of relief and regret. While they managed to alleviate some financial burdens, the long-term health implications and ethical considerations of their actions weigh heavily on their minds.
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