Should You Be Allowed To Sell a Kidney? Economist Explains 'Repugnant Markets'

Ari Shtein· May 28, 2026 · 8:20 PM UTC ·3 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 36 views

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Nobel Prize-winning economist Alvin Roth discusses the concept of 'repugnant markets,' focusing on the potential for legalizing the kidney trade in the U.S. He argues that the current ban on selling kidneys leads to unnecessary suffering and loss of life for those in need of transplants. Roth suggests that societal acceptance and legal support are crucial for legitimizing such markets, drawing parallels with the changing views on issues like gay marriage.

Key facts

▪Tens of thousands of Americans wait for kidney transplants, which are often scarce.
▪Alvin Roth argues that the kidney trade is a 'repugnant market' that could alleviate suffering if legalized.
▪Bans on repugnant markets can lead to unintended consequences, such as increased black market activity.

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Original publisher	Reason Magazine
Canonical URL	https://reason.com/2026/05/28/should-you-be-allowed-to-sell-a-kidney-economist-explains-repugnant-markets/
Publication time	Thu, 28 May 2026 20:20:06 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-05-28T20:24:37.555Z
Last seen	2026-05-28T20:24:37.555Z
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Civil Liberties Should You Be Allowed To Sell a Kidney? Economist Explains 'Repugnant Markets' Alvin Roth, Nobel Prize–winning economist, wants us to think more about how controversial freedoms can become commonplace. Ari Shtein | 5.28.2026 4:20 PM Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL Add Reason to Google Media Contact & Reprint Requests <img src="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/c800x450-w800-q80/uploads/2026/05/Black-Market-5-27-B-800x450.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto" width="1200" height="675" title="A pile of boxes marked off with caution tape. A group of law enforcement officers stand next to it." alt="A pile of boxes marked off with caution tape. A group of law enforcement officers stand next to it.

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