Report Finds Gaping Gender Disparities in Organ Transplants

By: WE Staff | Monday, 13 November 2023

A recent study examining living organ transplantation in India has revealed a striking gender disparity, revealing that for every woman who receives an organ, four men undergo transplants. The data spanning from 1995 to 2021 exposes a significant imbalance attributed to economic responsibilities, societal pressures, and ingrained preferences.

Dr. Anil Kumar, Director of NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization), highlights an interesting trend while more men contribute as cadaver donors, a staggering 93% of organ donors are women. An in-depth analysis from a 2021 study demonstrates that 80% of living organ donors are women, predominantly wives or mothers, and the recipients are overwhelmingly male at 80%.

Socio-economic pressures play a pivotal role in shaping these dynamics. Women often find themselves compelled to assume the role of family caretakers, whereas men, being perceived as primary breadwinners, might hesitate to undergo surgeries. The reluctance of male recipients to undergo organ transplantation further amplifies the prevalence of female donors.

Mayuri Barve, an organ transplant coordinator, sheds light on the prevailing trend where wives, mothers, and fathers predominantly serve as donors. In cases where a wife requires an organ, familial reluctance may arise due to socio-economic roles. Wives facing organ transplantation needs might even end up on waiting lists, showcasing the complexities tied to gender roles and organ donation.

A poignant aspect emerges as women recipients may refuse organ donations from family members, driven by a sense of guilt associated with burdening their loved ones.

The study not only underscores the gender nuances in organ transplantation but also prompts a closer examination of societal expectations influencing these patterns.