I was looking at the Flame board when the "death panels" were brought up. As I read about the ongoing medical crises and then I remembered something.

For any of you that as read Larry Niven's "Known Space series, you probably know about the organ banks. As the total Earth population increased, people were in need of ways to extend their lives in case part of their body fails. Also, more people worldwide means more prison overcrowding. The organ bank laws were simple: Any crime, even a traffic violation, is punishable by death. Those put to death have their organs harvested for citizens to use.

I was wondering: what is the possibility that similar policies (albeit less harsh) would be implemented in real life? It would certainly empty death row quickly, and demand for organs is as high as ever. Heck, we already have organleggers.

I realise this doesn't solve all medical problems, such as cancer, or something genetic like Alzheimer's, or brain andmental disorders at that. Still, it probably would be benifical to a lot of people.

I also know that this debate has been around for a while; however, they have already begun practice in China for this, harvesting the organs of inmates for sell elsewhere.

So, what do you guys think about this?