Advances in modern technology are turning our tissues, genes, and organs into ‘the currency of the future’. From beauty junkies to the international organ trade, Donna Dickenson reveals the ingenious ways in which body parts are converted into commodities. The true scale is immense: almost one in five human genes is the subject of a patent, and everything is fair game for profit-makers—from individual eggs to the genetic profile of an entire population. This gripping book is essential reading for anyone concerned with the ownership and commercial use of our bodies and those of our loved ones. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Dickenson scrutinizes the evolving legal position, the historical long view, and the latest biomedical research, and suggests new strategies to bring the biotechnology industry to heel.

Donna Dickenson is the first woman recipient of the International Spinoza Lens award for her contribution to public debate on ethics. She is Professor Emerita of Medical Ethics and Humanities at the University of London, and former John Ferguson Professor of Global Ethics at the University of Birmingham, UK. www.donnadickenson.net

"This is a horrifying book. It isn't news that human tissue and organs are bought and sold, but it is horrifying to learn the extent, the heartlessness and sometimes the ghoulishness of this international trade." Christopher Hart, The Sunday Times

"Body Shopping is ambitious and thoughtful … This book could not be more timely … a chilling account of the trade in human body parts … If there is any doubt over whether the human body is a global commodity, Dickenson ably puts it to rest." The New Scientist

"Dickenson’s book is a scandal a page; horror writers in a search of a plot would do well to consult it … It is also a thoughtful, intelligent, highly readable work written by someone with impeccable credentials... Gently, thoroughly and reasonably calmly, she guides us through a new world of horrific possibilities..." Fay Weldon, Financial Times

"Donna Dickenson's 'Body Shopping' is an alarming and illuminating book. No-one with any interest at all in medicine and society and how they interact should miss this." Philip Pullman

"For those of us who believe that the world would be a better place if our bodies’ weren’t strip mined for cash, Dickenson is a voice of wit, wisdom and hope. Body Shopping digs deep in its exploration of the true value of the human body." Francoise Baylis, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Bioethics and Philosophy at Dalhousie University.