In the United Kingdom, Lord Hunt, a member of the House of Lords, is taking steps to hold UK citizens responsible for organ trafficking crimes committed while traveling outside of the country. In countries such as Belgium, Norway, Italy, Taiwan, Spain, and Israel, similar legislation has already been instituted.
The bill, introduced by Lord Hunt on October 23rd, is an amendment of Section 32 of the Human Tissue Act of 2004 which prohibits commercial dealings in human material for transplantation. The new amendments would require signed consent from the organ donor and prohibit the purchasing of organs. Those found guilty of violating the proposed law would face punishments ranging from 12 months to 9 years in prison.
At present, Lord Hunt’s amendment is making its way through the British Parliamentary system.
