CAPIZ – In observance of National Organ and Blood Donation Awareness Week last June, the Capiz Provincial Health Office (CPHO) has intensified its campaign against illegal organ selling and trafficking, warning the public that such acts constitute human trafficking and are punishable by law.
With the slogan “No organ is for sale. Support deceased organ donation,” the CPHO underscores the importance of preserving the nobility of organ donation and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
“Let us not allow the selling of organs to destroy the nobility of organ and tissue donation,” the CPHO said.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about ethical organ donation practices while calling for public vigilance against illicit activities. Organ trafficking, the CPHO stressed, undermines the integrity of healthcare systems and preys on disadvantaged communities.
According to the CPHO, one deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor can enhance the lives of as many as 50 people.
Organs and tissues that can be donated from a deceased donor include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, intestines, pancreas, corneas, bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, and veins.
The CPHO emphasized that deceased organ donation is an altruistic and charitable act, done with dignity and care. Organs and tissues are removed with the same medical protocols as in any other surgery, with utmost respect for the donor.
“Organ donation is an act of charity. The buying and selling of human organs violates ethical and moral principles, and it is punishable by law,” the advisory noted.
Organ trafficking is now considered a form of human trafficking under Republic Act (RA) No. 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022. This crime often operates in secrecy and targets individuals regardless of age, gender, or background, with devastating consequences for victims and their families.
Meanwhile, RA 7170, or the Organ Donation Act of 1991, authorizes the donation of all or part of a human body after death for medical purposes. The law encourages voluntary and informed donations while strictly prohibiting commercial transactions involving human organs.
The CPHO also provides the following contacts to report the suspected cases of organ trafficking:
* 1343 Actionline Against Organ Trafficking – Dial 1343 (NCR) or (02) 1343 (outside NCR); online: www.1343actionline.ph
* Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center – Hotline: (02) 8420-6460; Globe: 0966-725-5961 | Smart: 0919-777-7377
* National Bureau of Investigation – Anti-Human Trafficking Division – Hotline: (02) 8521-9208; Globe: 0966-840-9367
* Department of Social Welfare and Development – Hotline: (02) 8931-8101
The CPHO encourages all Capisnons to participate in the promotion of safe, voluntary, and life-affirming organ donation while remaining vigilant against any form of trafficking.
“This is not just a health issue — it is a human rights issue,” the CPHO concluded./PN
