Whenever someone suggests that when families or guardians be financially compensated for agreeing to donate organs from a loved one (or someone in their care) who has just died, the following objection is made:If the formerly "free" organ now has a price placed upon it, then transplant operations will become more expensive.Is this an economically valid argument?Why or why not?

(The present system requires that organ donation be voluntary on behalf of individuals making donations, or the families who make the decision regarding a loved one who is about to die. Furthermore, the donation is made to a non-profit organ procurement organization, which then receives a fee when it directs the newly procured organ to the hospital where it will be used in the transplant operation.)

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS IS NOT A QUESTION ABOUT THE ETHICS OF SELLING HUMAN ORGANS.WE ARE DEALING WITH THE ECONOMIC ARGUMENT THAT OPPONENTS OF SUCH TRANSACTIONS HAVE BEEN MAKING.Furthermore, DO NOT ASSUME ANY ROLE OF INSURANCE OR GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS IN YOUR ANSWER.