In the hospital the relatives gathered in the waiting room,
where their family member lay gravely ill.
Finally, the doctor came in looking tired and somber.
"I'm afraid I'm the bearer of bad news,"
he said as he surveyed the worried faces.
"The only hope left for your loved one at this time
is a brain transplant.

"It's an experimental procedure, very risky but it is the
only hope.
Insurance will cover the procedure, but you will
have to pay for the brain yourselves."

The family members sat silent as they absorbed the news.
After a great length of time, someone asked, "Well, how much
does a brain cost?"

The doctor quickly responded, "$5,000 for a male brain, and
$200 for a female brain."

The moment turned awkward. Men in the room tried not to
smile, avoiding eye contact with the women, but some
actually smirked.

A man unable to control his curiosity, blurted out the
question everyone wanted to ask,
"Why is the male brain so much more?"

The doctor smiled at the childish innocence and explained
to the entire group, "It's just standard pricing procedure.
We have to mark down the price of the female brains,
because they've actually been used."