Black market of organs in Azerbaijan...

A troubling trend of advertisements for the sale of organs has surfaced on social media platforms, particularly on Instagram, in Azerbaijan. These posts are offering kidneys, livers, and bone marrow for sale, despite the fact that organ transplantation in the country is covered by compulsory health insurance and regulated by strict legal frameworks. Such transactions are not only illegal but also medically perilous, prompting concerns from lawmakers and experts alike.

While organ transplantation is a recognized medical procedure in Azerbaijan, these illicit advertisements deviate drastically from legal and ethical norms. The country has enacted criminal penalties for the purchase and sale of human organs, tissues, illegal donations, and transplantations.

Mushfig Mammadli, a member of the Milli Majlis Health Committee, in an interview with Turan attributes the appearance of these advertisements to a combination of ignorance and misinformation. He emphasizes that organ transplantation is a highly complex medical procedure that requires specialized infrastructure, a team of medical experts, and adherence to legal regulations. Attempting to sell or purchase organs clandestinely is not only implausible but also dangerous.

Mammadli further underscores the extensive post-operation care required for organ recipients, emphasizing that this process involves meticulous examinations and treatment to ensure the patient's survival. Therefore, he deems these announcements as frivolous and unreliable.

Under Azerbaijani legislation, the term "organ donor" is a distinct category that must meet specific criteria. These criteria include, besides good health, a close genetic relationship with the recipient, ensuring genetic compatibility.

Fazil Mustafa, a member of the parliamentary committee on Human Rights, believes that these organ sale advertisements are often born out of poverty and desperation. However, he asserts that such actions are unequivocally illegal. He suggests that individuals engaging in such activities should register with the appropriate state body, as this is the only legitimate avenue for organ donation. Those who flout these legal channels may face prosecution for their involvement in illegal activities.

Professor Adil Geybulla echoes the sentiment that selling one's body organs is unequivocally criminal. In an interview with Radio Azadlig, he highlights that organ transplantation is governed by strict international regulations and ethical standards. In countries around the world, a donor bank facilitates organ transplantation, primarily using organs from individuals who have experienced brain death. Such systems ensure transparency and legality.

Geybulla asserts that the existence of a black market for organs in Azerbaijan is untenable and criminal. He acknowledges past attempts at illicit organ trade but emphasizes that stringent controls are now in place to prevent such activities.

It was not possible to get an official statement from law enforcement agencies on this issue. It remains to be hoped that Azerbaijan takes this issue seriously and is committed to observing the rule of law when it comes to organ transplantation and donation.