Eighteen; the number of people who die every day, desperately waiting for their new future. Transplanting an organ from one human being to another has become a modern medical miracle. Yet, with a shortage of organs and a surplus of poverty-stricken people, the world has ended up with a black market. Where you once had to wait years on a waiting list to receive the body part you needed, it now only takes a few weeks or months to purchase a new life. The need for organs, particularly in the United States, has led to an increase in organ trafficking and the black market, especially in poor countries. With more than 120,000 people on the organ waiting list in the United States, and 18 of them dying every day, it would make sense to offer another alternative to this growing epidemic (“The need is real: the data). With this in mind, it is clear that financial incentives, whether tax credits or direct payments, should be used to increase organ donations. Organ trafficking and body harvesting dates back to the late 1700s. At that time, surgeons began dissecting cadavers to learn about human anatomy and contribute to medical education. These surgeons recruited “resurrectionists” or “ghouls,” usually dubious and poor men who searched New York cemeteries for bodies to sell to doctors and medical schools. Although these human remains played an important role in the advancement of medicine, they were not used for organ transplants. The first reported cases of organ and skin transplants date back to the 3rd century. With little knowledge of these procedures, doctors faced patient rejections and, ultimately, death (Cheney). From the 1900s to the 1950s, a free market in human blood and tissue...... middle of paper.... ..one donor would open the door to various opportunities that would only benefit all those who are involved. Giving away a part of yourself is a huge decision, but with compensation both parties would benefit. Although it could be considered a commercial activity, incentivizing organ donors to donate organs would increase the availability of organs, reduce psychological and emotional pressures felt by relatives of patients in need, eliminate the organ trade on the black market and would put an end to the exploitation of people living in disadvantaged environments. nations that depend on illegal donations for their sole source of income. The black market is an extreme problem in countries in need, and the fact that a solution to this problem already exists and is not being implemented is scandalous. The benefits of incentives far outweigh the harms. When money is on the line, people will follow, so why not save a life in the process?