Kidnap Rumors

The Opinion article by Victor Perera, “Behind the Kidnaping of Children for Their Organs” (May 1), gives credence to the totally false rumor that Latin American children are being kidnaped for organ transplants. Perera cites Eric Sottas, head of the Geneva-based World Organization Against Torture, who supposedly lists six “confirmed” cases. The facts tell a different story.

First, Sottas cites the claim that 3,000 Brazilian children adopted by Italians are missing--allegedly for the organ trade. If Sottas had checked with Italian officials, he would have found that Brazilian emigration and Italian immigration statistics match perfectly--there are no missing children.

Next, Sottas cites a patient from an Argentine insane asylum who said his corneas were forcibly removed. In April, Madrid’s ABC newspaper revealed this story was a fabrication. The patient had lost eyesight from a “viral infection.”

Regarding Peru, Sottas repeats claims made by the International Assn. of Democratic Lawyers, a former Soviet front group that repeated Soviet disinformation for decades. They have never provided any evidence to substantiate “baby parts” claims.

Regarding Colombia, Sottas repeats charges by French communist Maite Pinero, another “baby parts” partisan. Pinero’s supposed witnesses have conveniently disappeared, however.

Regarding Mexico, Sottas ominously states that clinics offer organ transplants in a province where many children disappear. But innuendo is not evidence.

In Honduras, Sottas repeats year-old allegations that created a media uproar but were never substantiated by any evidence--the perpetual pattern of the “baby parts” myth.

Sottas reveals his appalling ignorance of organ transplant procedures, claiming that only one-fifth of U.S. transplants are centrally monitored, and worrying that numerous surgeons accept the idea of purchasing organs. All U.S. organ transplants are closely monitored by the United Network for Organ Sharing, and the sale of organs for transplant in the U.S. has been outlawed since 1984.

One American, June Weinstock, remains in a coma after being savagely attacked in March by Guatemalans who believed the “baby parts” rumor. Others, including a Philadelphia woman adopting a Guatemalan child, have nearly been lynched. Commentators like Sottas and Perera need to do a more responsible job of checking their facts.

TODD LEVENTHAL

U.S. Information Agency, Washington