Organ Trafficking
Current Progress:
This is a live submission and campaign. Please see our web page to learn more.
Organ harvesting occurs when a person's organs are removed without their consent or knowledge. Their organs are then trafficked to recipients, who often pay high prices for them on the illegal ‘red’ market. It is estimated that around 10% of organ transplants* use trafficked organs.
*The National Center for Biotechnology Information
In Australia, demand for organs is greater than supply. This means that some people may feel that their only option is to go overseas to receive a life-saving organ transplant, known as organ tourism.
We want to raise awareness of the issues surrounding organ trafficking by amending the incoming passenger card that must be filled out when arriving to Australia.
The suggested amendment involves adding a single question:
“Have you received an organ transplant while overseas?”
The intention is solely to collect data and raise awareness, not to prosecute.
We know that organ trafficking is happening, but it is not being tracked. By amending the incoming passenger card, we can better monitor and mitigate demand for trafficked organs.
See our work below in the following order:
The submission
Letter to Tony Burke
Media Release
Submission
Letter to Tony Burke
Media Release