Introduction
Many listeners were fascinated by an earlier episode about China’s illegal organ harvesting, so I wanted to dig a bit deeper into the organ trade, and speak with Dr Seán Columb – the author of “Trading Life: Organ Trafficking, Illicit Networks, and Exploitation.”
Dr Columb is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Liverpool and a research advocate for trafficking survivors. His book examines how the organ trade fits into the anti-trafficking framework, its link to organised crime, and the wider political economy.
In this episode, Dr Columb shares the motivations behind organ trafficking, the demand for healthy kidneys, and how illegally harvested organs are transported across borders.
“Trading Life: Organ Trafficking, Illicit Networks, and Exploitation” is available to buy at https://www.combinedacademic.co.uk/9781503612556/trading-life/
Use discount code CSV2020TL to receive 30% off.
Show Notes
Seán introduces himself and the work he does to the listeners. [1:57]
Statistics about organ trafficking around the world are given. [5:17]
Seán explains how organ trafficking can occur. [8:08]
How organs are moved across the country illegally is touched on. [10:43]
The focus of Seán’s research is Egypt – he described why this is. [12:14]
Mindsets of those who buy organs is reflected on. [13:54]
The demand for kidneys is explained. [15:45]
The link between organ trafficking and organised crime groups are detailed. [17:21]
Seán explains how organs are removed, transferred, and transported. [21:05]
Where and how transplants, trafficking and surgeries occur is explained. [24:08]
The psychological impact on people who sell their kidneys is discussed. [30:36]
Seán discusses his book “Trading Life: Organ Trafficking, Illicit Networks, and Exploitation.” [37:32]
Seán explains what people of influence and governments can to do help solve the issue of organ trafficking. [39:58]
Social Links
https://twitter.com/columbsean?lang=en
Seán’s book, “Trading Life: Organ Trafficking, Illicit Networks, and Exploitation” is available here: https://www.combinedacademic.co.uk/9781503612556/trading-life/
Use discount code CSV2020TL to receive 30% off your purchase.
