Can You Sell Organs in the United States?

Donor Alliance is occasionally asked whether someone can sell their organs or receive some form of financial incentive for donating them.

In short, the answer is NO.

Selling Organs in the United States is Illegal

The National Organ Transplant Act, which was passed in 1984, makes it illegal to sell or buy human organs and tissues in the United States. Selling organs and tissues is a crime and violators are subject to fines and imprisonment.

Why is it illegal to sell organs?

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, “One reason Congress made this law was to make sure the wealthy do not have an unfair advantage for obtaining donated organs and tissues”. (Source: OPTN white paper on bioethics—Financial Incentives for Organ Donation, June 30, 1993).

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act Describes Organ, Eye & Tissue Donation as a Gift

In addition, the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA), the federal act that provides legal authority for organ, eye and tissue donation defines a gift as “a voluntary and legally binding uncompensated transfer.” The UAGA allows individuals to make the legal decision to gift their organs and tissues after death and establishes donor registries such as the Donate Life Colorado and the Donate Life Wyoming registries as a valid document of gift.

Being an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor is an Altruistic Decision

Organ, eye and tissue donation is the ultimate act of kindness one can do for another human being. Financial incentives for donating organs and tissues are not only in direct conflict with the altruistic and generous nature of organ, eye and tissue donation, they are also against federal law as established by the National Organ Transplant Act.

Over the years, families in Colorado and Wyoming have deeply expressed their gratitude for the gift of life their loved ones provided to those in need after their passing.

Amy, donor mother holding a photo of her daughter

People on the Waitlist Rely on the Generosity of Organ, Eye and Tissue Donors

Did you know nearly 1,300 people are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant in Colorado and Wyoming? 

When you say “Yes” to becoming an organ and tissue donor, you’re not just checking a box. You’re creating a ripple effect of hope. Cody, from Pueblo, Colo., knows this firsthand. In 2024, Cody received a lifesaving liver transplant after battling a serious illness. Now, he’s living his best life with his fiancé, their dog, and their newly purchased home, all thanks to the generosity of his donor.

Cody, liver recipient

“Statistically, I shouldn’t be here right now,” Cody shared. “The gift I received is a debt I can never repay, but I’m determined to honor it every day by sharing my story and helping others understand the impact of donation.”

There are also tens of thousands of more people in our community who need a tissue transplant. Each year, tissue transplants help those suffering from trauma, disease or blindness.

• Donated bones and tendons can be used to replace or reconstruct tissue destroyed by tumors, trauma or infection, and saving limbs that would otherwise be amputated.
• Donated heart valves can replace damaged ones, allowing the heart to function again. 
• Doated veins can be used in patients who require coronary artery bypass surgery, a routine procedure that saves thousands of lives. For individuals suffering from diabetes or other diseases that cause a decrease in the blood flow, surgeons can use donated veins to repair damaged vessels and restore blood flow — in many cases saving limbs from amputation.
• Donated skin is critically needed for patients suffering from burns or trauma and is used as a bandage to protect the body from infection and promote healing. Donated skin is also used for cleft palate repair and mastectomy reconstruction.
• Donated corneas help restore sight to individuals suffering from corneal blindness or trauma to the eye. 

Organ and Tissue Donation is a Gift

Organ and tissue donation is a generous and heroic gift. Check the box and say “yes” to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor at the DMV. Once you register, you’ll get a little heart with a Y on your license. That little heart has a big impact! One person can one day save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation. You can also make your decision today at DonorAlliance.org. Don’t forget to discuss your decision with your family.