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This paper examines the place attributed to symbols and symbolic exchange in organ transplantation. In the first part, the paper focuses on the symbolic implementation thanks to the French Agence de la Biomédecine endeavor to increase the procurement rate through its exhortation campaigns. In the second part, the papers examines whether the procurement of organs belongs in the realm of the exchange of symbolic goods. In conclusion, the paper singles out the notion of organizational gift, in order to conceptualize the nature of the relation between families and the professionals when organ procurement is at stake.