Over the past decade, China has seen a sharp increase in pediatric organ transplants. Leading hospitals claim to have completed thousands of liver transplants for children, with some provincial centers boasting “multiple same-day” pediatric surgeries. Regulatory authorities have also approved pediatric-specific immunosuppressants. In contrast to the global scarcity of child organ donors, China often claims short waiting times and abundant donors.
The World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG) published an in-depth investigation, raising a critical question: Where are these organs coming from?
Key Findings:
- Surge in Transplant Numbers
- Shanghai’s Renji Hospital alone claims over 3,000 pediatric liver transplants, asserting the highest annual volumes globally.
- By comparison, the U.S. performs about 500–600 pediatric liver transplants annually.
- Such rapid growth in China reflects not only technical advances but also unusually high organ availability.
- Unusual Donor Patterns
- Extremely short waiting times and “multiple same-day” surgeries (e.g., Wuhan Union Hospital’s three pediatric heart transplants in one day) defy global norms, raising questions about donor source coordination.
- Promotions offering “free pediatric liver transplants” in Jilin Province suggest unusually high donor availability.
- Publicized organ procurement fee schedules in some provinces raise concerns about the emergence of an organ market.
- Ethical Concerns Over Pediatric and Infant Donors
- Academic reports include transplanting kidneys from infants (<1 year old) to adults or young recipients.
- Reports of very low-weight, very young donors have drawn scrutiny from overseas neonatal experts, particularly regarding withdrawal of life support and brain death determinations.
- While infant organs have biological advantages, a lack of regulatory oversight raises severe ethical risks, including potential organ trafficking.
- High-Level Projects and Political Context
- Reports have emerged about the “981 Project” and other longevity initiatives linked to China’s senior political and military officials, suggesting multi-organ transplants for life extension. Xi Jinping reportedly acknowledged such practices in public remarks in 2025.
Conclusion
China’s rapid expansion of pediatric organ transplantation represents a clinical advance but a step backward in governance and transparency. The lack of clear oversight of donor sources creates grave ethical risks, especially for vulnerable children and infants. Independent, third-party verification is essential to prevent abuse, stop illegal trafficking, and ensure that the growth and commercialization of pediatric organ transplants adhere to moral and legal boundaries.
Source: WOIPFG, September 13, 2025
https://www.zhuichaguoji.org/node/145737#_ednrefz9