Can I Sell One Kidney and Still Live?
The health truth and the legal truth about giving up a kidney — and the lawful way to donate.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
A healthy person can live a full life with one kidney — but that is about lawful, voluntary donation, not sale. Selling a kidney is illegal and carries serious health and legal risks.
It is illegal in India
Selling a kidney is a criminal offence under THOTA. Donation is voluntary and unpaid.
The lawful route
If you want to donate, the lawful route is through a transplant centre, with full medical and psychological evaluation to protect your safety.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to live with one kidney?
For a healthy, evaluated donor it is generally safe, with lifelong routine follow-up — but donation must be voluntary, never sold.