With nearly 2 million inmates nationwide, and such a drastic need for organs, it only makes sense to try and expand the potential pool of donors by allowing altruistic prisoners to donate.

Many states have attempted to pass legislation that would make this enticing for inmates by offering incentives such as sentence reductions. But these efforts have failed due to concerns of coercion, consent, and unlawful financial consideration.

Other states have implemented policies that allow for organ donation only to family members of the incarcerated. Yet just a tiny portion of prisons around the nation allow for willful donations by inmates to anyone in need.

The goal of G.A.V.E. is to move prisons nationwide to implement changes that give any willing, capable inmate the opportunity to save a life. It is the view of G.A.V.E. that not only will this assist in the supply of organs, but this will also create opportunities for prisoners to give back to the community they violated. This is an opportunity that can help in the rehabilitative process of the inmate and one that can potentially cultivate a generosity of spirit that can do much to cure some of the nation’s recidivism problems.

Participation rates by inmates do not need to be high for such efforts to have a dramatic impact. When we’re dealing with the lives of those who will die today because we have not utilized all viable alternatives, it is important that we rationally consider this option now.

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