The shock over the recent discovery of kidneys for sale in the US is just another example of how we may often choose to remain oblivious to those things, those actions that threaten or challenge the ethical constructs of how we view the life and the world at large. The WHO estimates that at least 10 % of all kidney transplants are from paid donors often obtained by illegal transaction performed in less than optimal surroundings and circumstances……but now we know that these are also occurring in prestigious institutions in the United States and the public is outraged. But is it, really? In a free market society, isn’t everything and anyone for sale? Most will say, absolutely not. American law does not permit the exchange of organs for material or pecuniary gain but yet, it is still happening - seemingly without redress. So where do we go from here? Without legal intervention and regulation, these practices are likely to continue. But there is a fear that the forces of economics may result in an exploitation of the disadvantaged and bring us back to the historical controversy of whether one life is more valuable than another…and though that makes for an easy answer, with the consideration of America’s past, it  poses  an extremely awkward  question.