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Bioethics, Rent-Seeking, and Death: Examining the Opposition to Kidney Markets

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  • Lemennicier Bertrand
  • Wenzel Nikolai G.

    (Center for Research in Law and Economics (CRED), Université Panthéon-Assas, Paris, France)

Abstract

The market for kidneys offers a case study of Baptists and Bootleggers. In almost every country, sales are currently illegal and donated organs are allocated by a central planner. Thousands of people die every year, because of the shortage caused by the absence of markets. This paper starts by examining the free-market alternative, and shows that a market would solve the shortage (and thus unnecessary deaths). It then uses gains-from-trade analysis to explain why current vested interests oppose a move to a market, despite the immense potential for saved lives. In a shift to a market, gains from trade would be distributed away from lucky patients (who receive a zero-price kidney) and various industries that benefit from the shortage (dialysis, medical equipment, etc.); these “Bootleggers” form an alliance with “Baptists” (altruistic donors, large segments of the bioethics community, and organ allocation central planners).

Suggested Citation

  • Lemennicier Bertrand & Wenzel Nikolai G., 2021. "Bioethics, Rent-Seeking, and Death: Examining the Opposition to Kidney Markets," Journal des Economistes et des Etudes Humaines, De Gruyter, vol. 27(1), pages 51-74, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:jeehcn:v:27:y:2021:i:1:p:51-74:n:4
    DOI: 10.1515/jeeh-2020-0005
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Roth, Alvin E. & Leider, Stephen, 2010. "Kidneys For Sale: Who Disapproves, and Why?," Scholarly Articles 5128483, Harvard University Department of Economics.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    bioethics; kidney markets; organ markets; rent-seeking; D72; I11; I18;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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