China will no longer use organs of executed prisoners for transplants, and will turn to more ethical practices to remedy their drastic shortage.
China is the only country in the world that still participates in this practice. They have received criticism from numerous countries, but some Chinese citizens see the organ harvesting as a "way for criminals to redeem themselves," South China Morning Post reported.
The Chinese government has recently rejected the practice, claiming it "tarnishes the image of China."
"I am confident that before long all accredited hospitals will forfeit the use of prisoner organs," former deputy health minister Huang Jiefu, said.
China had denied using prisoner's organs for medical transplants, but admitted to the practice a few years ago, the BBC reported.
A government estimate suggested two-thirds of organ "donations" have come from executed prisoners in the past.
About 150 China hospitals licensed to perform transplants have already agreed to the new ethical guidelines.
Only about 10,000 of the 300,000 Chinese patients in need of transplants receive them every year. The country executes thousands of prisoners.
The shortage is partially due to Chinese traditions and beliefs, which encourages bodies to be buried "intact," or cremated.
Huang said China should take on a "suitable organ donation system," according to the BBC.
He also claimed infection rates were higher in transplants using prisoner's organs.
Chinese officials hope to phase out the practice over the next five years.
"China has been lambasted for violating human rights with organs from criminals. Chinese doctors don't even have the chance to publish their papers on organ transplants in international journals." Yang Chunhua, head of intensive care at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, told UPI via Global Times.
China has launched new organ donor programs in hopes of encouraging the movement, South China Morning Post reported.
