I first heard about plasma sales in Cebu from a forwarded video clip. And when I checked it online, yes, the news is already all over. As in every other 'organ donation,' plasma donation is supposed to be non-monetary. It should be entirely voluntary, sincerely altruistic and free from undue enticement.
But not so long ago, the social media became a common forum for blood and body parts sales and donations. Facebook users advertised their kidneys for sale on a specified thread. They expressed their phone numbers, blood type and need for money as a matter of urgency. The thread kept attracting organ traders.
And so I am by no means completely surprised. Given that there have already been cases in the past, this probability is not distant. But what shocked me this time is that one is eager to get infected with the COVID 19 virus because he believes he can already sell his plasma to other COVID-19 patients once healed.
What does that mean, then? People living in depressed areas or those who have nothing or less in life are risking their lives just to live longer and to sustain. Rendering our judgment for this act is clear. Others will possibly say it takes bravery and sacrifice to do so, as the risk is so high that if he does not recover from such disease.
As to the case of human trafficking for organs, a serious crime punishable under the Philippine law, but when pushed into despair, those who commit tend to cave in to a pressing need for money and the well-being of their loved ones. I know that they are scared of getting the disease but felt they had no other option. And if they can do that, they believe they’ll probably have a chance to improve their lives and move away from their current living conditions.
For the belief that God gives everything we have and we take good care of them while we live. We look after the beauty of His creation well with our eyes. We take good care of listening to kind and uplifting words with our ears. We look after our hands well, and we can lend a hand. We take good care of our mouths so that they can be an inspirational instrument. And if we share any of these endowments is because we want others to experience the beauty of life. One can donate eyes for others to see. One can donate blood for others to live. And the act of donating is a great manifestation of sharing one’s experience life has to offer.
One can donate an organ and tissue after death to support those seeking a transplant. Transplants can save a person's life, or change it. One organ and tissue donor can help transform more than 10 people's lives. And so one person's death means that life is either saved or transformed.
Donation has more effect than the donors and the recipients. This also impacts the families, relatives, colleagues, and associates who love and support those in need, and benefit from their revived life and better health.
Life is a precious gift. When sacrificing organs, a portion is removed from the donor to make the recipient whole again. And then giving one a new lease of life is also a way to recognize and honor the source and ultimate donor.