The Real Body Snatchers 280
An anonymous reader writes "The BBC are reporting on a grisly trade lying behind the booming business for replacement body parts in medical procedures. Many unscrupulous "dealers" will procure body parts from anyone willing to deal them — e.g., undertakers, medics — and will process them for resale onto legitimate companies. Apparently a fully processed cadaver can fetch up to $250,000. Now, who says I'm worth more alive than dead?"
Again, life imitates science fiction (Score:2, Informative)
Re:I don't get the big deal.... (Score:5, Informative)
The issue isn't that your body parts shouldn't be used to help someone else, the issue is that these folks were simply taking the parts, or the entire body, without the permission of either the deceased or their families. Essentially, they were grave robbers without the grave.
It comes down to consent. Think of it as an extended form or Opt-in. Unless you specifically say you want your parts to go to someone else, they stay with you.
Then of course there are the whole host of religious issues which don't need to be discussed but should be mentioned in relation to the above reason.
Re:I don't get the big deal.... (Score:3, Informative)
Remembering Alistair Cooke (Score:5, Informative)
So how long (Score:3, Informative)
After that, of course, public objections to the death penalty drop since it's a source of spare parts. Eventually death becomes the standard penalty for any felony.
Re:You think it's no big deal (Score:4, Informative)
Re:I don't get the big deal.... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:I don't get the big deal.... (Score:3, Informative)
Re:I don't get the big deal.... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:I don't get the big deal.... (Score:4, Informative)
Re:I don't get the big deal.... (Score:4, Informative)
Re:I don't get the big deal.... (Score:3, Informative)