Can donors be paid for donating an organ?
It is unlawful for donors to be paid for donating an organ or part organ. However, it is legal for a donor to receive reimbursement of expenses, such as travel costs and loss of earnings, that are reasonably attributable to, and directly result from, an organ donation. All such payments must be made by a proper authority, e.g. an NHS Trust or foundation hospital, or, in the case of a private patient, the hospital. Details on the levels of reimbursement are available on the Department of Health website. Donors should not be reimbursed directly by the recipient or by their family or friends. The HTA requires that checks are made to ensure that no other payment is made and that the donor does not make a profit from the donation.
