To the editor:

The recently filed legislative bill in Massachusetts to set up a system whereby incarcerated people can trade bodily organs or bone marrow for reduced sentences is barbaric and  just another systemic oppression and opportunity to exploit the incarcerated who are already serving time and dispossessed of their freedom.

No doubt a shortage of transplantable organs that could save lives 

is a sad reality, but it would be incredibly naive to believe such a system would not fall prey to the unethically  exploitive entrepreneurs and investors.

In a capitalist society, with virtually scant oversight of the prison system, the opportunity to create an organ harvesting and bartering system  would undoubtedly enrich the few at the expense of  the most vulnerable.

Putting aside the ethical and humane considerations, that are enormously significant, how could such a program be created that was practical, efficient and carefully monitored?  Where will the funds for the medical examinations, surgical procedures, legal representations and competent oversight come from? And of course there will be millions of dollars lost in lawsuits from the donors and the recipients for any alleged medical or legal malpractice.

Who will be the final arbiter of the sentencing reduction for which organ or bone marrow donation?  And the most important consideration is how does a person who is imprisoned give informed consent?

Historically, and still evident in many states, is the leasing, or donated work or services of the incarcerated to the community, or to private businesses. That some deem this a continuation of slavery is not an exaggeration, and it has been proven that the consequences of indentured work does nothing for rehabilitation or a reduction in recidivism. And it is the community at large that pays more taxes and is victimized by repeat offenders who have been exploited and not offered any rehabilitative services or programs 

Reducing the sentence of an incarcerated person for participating in organ donation will never enure to the their advantage, as some prosecutors and judges will impose harsher sentences, or be disinclined to reduce charges, in order to entice the convicted to bargain for less prison time.

There is no aspect of such a system that would be free of corruption, inequities and the disproportionate accumulation of wealth for the unscrupulous.

Betty Ussach, 

Dartmouth