Vietnam public security minister addresses proposal allowing prisoners to donate organs, preserve reproductive cells

Under the amended draft of the Law on Execution of Criminal Judgments, prisoners would be allowed to donate tissues and body parts, receive benefits in accordance with existing laws on human organ and tissue donation, and store reproductive cells as prescribed by law.

General Quang stated that the drafting committee would collect NA deputies’ feedback and work with relevant agencies to refine the draft based on the principle that inmates may donate organs or tissues only when all necessary conditions are met.

These conditions include voluntary consent, sufficient health to donate, and assurance of the prisoner’s continued well-being to serve their sentence afterward.

Inmates must bear the costs of donation procedures and post-donation medical care themselves.

The policy would apply only to first-time offenders convicted of less serious or serious crimes with prison terms under three years, and the donation would be limited to the prisoner’s relatives.

Regarding the proposal to allow inmates to store eggs and sperm, some NA deputies described it as a humanitarian and progressive idea but questioned its practicality.

They argued that the procedure requires advanced medical technology and high costs, making it difficult to implement in detention facilities.

The minister affirmed that the drafting body views this provision as a humane and compassionate policy.

Nevertheless, the committee will coordinate with relevant units to study the issue carefully before reporting it to the NA for consideration.