The Allegations: A Breach of Protocol?

A video circulating on Chinese social media platforms appears to show a gynecologist in Guizhou province allegedly removing medical waste, suspected to be a mother’s placenta, from the hospital. The footage, which surfaced on the last day of March, shows the doctor returning to their office with a plastic bag, later concealed within a black plastic bag. The individual who recorded the video claims the doctor was secretly taking the placenta, which the mother had intended for hospital disposal.

Hospital Response: Immediate Dismissal

Following the emergence of the video, the hospital swiftly dismissed the doctor involved. Though, details regarding any prior instances of similar behavior remain undisclosed, leaving many questions unanswered.

The Cultural Context: Traditional Medicine and modern misconceptions

In traditional Chinese medicine, dried human placenta, known as Ziheche, was considered a potent ingredient with purported benefits ranging from combating fatigue and infertility to enhancing vitality. While the practice of consuming placenta has seen a resurgence in recent years, fueled by claims of improved postpartum recovery, its efficacy remains scientifically unproven. It’s vital to note that the global market for choice medicines, including those rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is estimated to reach hundreds of billions of dollars annually, reflecting the enduring appeal of these practices despite limited scientific validation.

General meat, eggs, and milk are more nutritious than the placenta.

A Chinese Netizen

China officially banned the trade of human placentas in 2005. Current regulations stipulate that mothers have the right to request their placenta from the hospital. If the mother declines,the placenta must be treated as medical waste and incinerated within the hospital premises.

Ethical and Legal Gray Areas: A Lucrative Black Market?

despite the ban, a clandestine market for human placentas persists in China, driven by demand and a perceived lack of stringent enforcement. Reports from 2021 indicated that human placentas could fetch as much as 2400 yuan (approximately $350 USD) per kilogram on the black market, notably within cancer treatment circles. This lucrative potential fuels the illegal trade and raises serious ethical concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

In 2021, it has been reported that the human placenta can be sold for 2400 yuan (480,000 won) per kilogram in the cancer market.

The absence of a robust penalty system for those who violate the placenta trade ban has been cited as a contributing factor to the ongoing problem. Critics argue that stronger legal deterrents are necessary to effectively curb the illegal market and ensure compliance with regulations.

Public Sentiment: Concerns and Criticisms

the incident has sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media, with many expressing concerns about the proper disposal of placentas by hospitals. The lack of clarity and clear guidelines regarding disposal procedures has fueled public distrust and calls for greater accountability within the healthcare system.