Social welfare officials today voiced strong opposition to proposals in Congress aimed at creating a national organ-sharing network, saying this could lead to the commercialization of human organs and tissues.

In a letter to Representative Alfredo Maranon III, chairman of the House committee on health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said a scheme like this would mean the “selling and marketing of human organs.”

Likewise, the DSWD reiterated its stance that minors should be barred from donating their organs, even to relatives.

“However, any individual, at least 18 years old, of sound mind and who understands the nature and consequences of transplanting organs from his or her body may donate, by way of written consent to the removal of a specific organ, for the purpose of implanting the organ into another living person,” it said.

On the other hand, the DSWD said it supports a bill seeking to outlaw commercial organ donations or any other part of the human body.

It said that for therapy purposes, a person can donate an organ to someone who is not his relative provided that all other members of the immediate family of the recipient have been eliminated as potential donors.

With regard to the welfare of the donor, he or she must be provided with post-surgery care services or incentives by the recipient to compensate for lost wages, or meet travel and housing expenses incurred.

The DSWD also wants the Department of Health to develop a comprehensive program for the long-term monitoring of donors who may develop medical problems after donation.