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AIBU?

To not like the organ donation pressure?

267 replies

AtSea1979 · 15/09/2016 19:25

Don't get me wrong I fully support an opt out rather than in policy.
However DD (7 yo) has come home with a form and is asking lots of questions and it all seems a bit much. She has asked me what would I do if she died and whether I'd let them remove her organs etc and whether I'd do the same if it was me. The head cheerfully informed me they have an important letter we all should sign.
I find it all a bit bully tactics, surely it's a personal choice and nothing to do with anyone else.

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littleprincesssara · 15/09/2016 20:01

It is a personal choice, but on the other hand large numbers of people die needlessly just because people would rather not have to think about something a bit icky.

I'm not including people who opt-out due to a legitimate moral or religious objection.

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Trills · 15/09/2016 20:13

What evidence do you have of bullying, rather than just "this is a thing that people can do, it helps people who would be very sick otherwise"?

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AtSea1979 · 15/09/2016 22:01

I guess I just didn't like the heavy handed "sign it". I get that people die and of course it's so hard when it's someone you know and love etc and maybe talking about it and getting people thinking about the options is a good thing but I guess it's not something I feel as strongly about as those in the playground.

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JemimaMuddledUp · 15/09/2016 22:02

Here in Wales you have to opt out rather than opt in. Much better IMO.

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SuburbanRhonda · 15/09/2016 22:03

If you were waiting for an organ for yourself or a member if your family, you might find yourself wishing people had been more strongly persuaded to donate their organs.

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greatbigwho · 15/09/2016 22:05

My bil is waiting for a kidney and without one will die, possibly this year. I find it sickening to think how many organs are just destroyed when they could save someone's life. A husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle. I don't understand why it's not opt out, you don't need your organs when you're dead and it's only squeamishness preventing them being used.

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AtSea1979 · 15/09/2016 22:06

I understand that but I'm sure all those who suddenly were signing the form weren't those and if they felt so strongly about it why not have signed up years ago

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NoelHeadbands · 15/09/2016 22:08

I don't think it's pressure, I think it's encouraging both children and adults alike to talk about it and not treat organ donation as a taboo subject.

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AtSea1979 · 15/09/2016 22:08

who I don't think it's that simple. A close relative of mine needed an autopsy and I couldn't bear the thought of them messing with his body, even though he was dead Sad

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Grittyshunts · 15/09/2016 22:10

It is a personal choice but I think we should all be donors and have the option of opting out. One donor can save 53 people!!

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Grittyshunts · 15/09/2016 22:11

Sorry meant to say "help 53 people"

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SuburbanRhonda · 15/09/2016 22:11

So do you not think there should be a push to get people to donate?

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5OBalesofHay · 15/09/2016 22:12

It's not just squeamishness. I wouldn't accept or donate. I won't endlessly justify because it's my choice. DH feels differently. They can have his if the worst thing in the world happens because that's is his choice

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AtSea1979 · 15/09/2016 22:12

53 wow I didn't know that, I don't think that was mentioned on the form. I'm not sure I didn't read it before I binned it, just skimmed it.

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DoublyTroubly · 15/09/2016 22:13

I agree that it should be opt out. I also think that any adult who opts out should automatically be lower priority on the recipient list if they ever need an organ themselves

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SanityClause · 15/09/2016 22:14

What possible objection could you have?

I like to think my bits and pieces could save someone else's life when I die.

Perhaps people who haven't really thought about it before are those that are signing up, now?

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greatbigwho · 15/09/2016 22:14

In my eyes it is that simple, and I have signed the forms agreeing to organ donation, even before knowing someone who needed a transplant. Yes someone you love dying is awful, but knowing that their death has prevented someone else feeling that crushing grief that you're feeling - I can't imagine why you wouldn't do everything in your power to save other lives.

Yes, this is something I feel passionately about. I think there needs to be more publicity to educate the public on how much good can come from someone's death. How easy it is to ensure another person doesn't have to feel the way you feel.

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Cocklodger · 15/09/2016 22:14

TBH I won't be donating and have opted out as such, but I do think it's a bit daft that we have an opt out rather than opt in.
It worries me a bit that someone who really doesn't want their organs donated and isn't aware of the change, of low intelligence or simply doesn't get around to opting out may have it done anyway, but on the other hand it's a good thing as people who never get around to opting in will have it done automatically, and it will save more lives.
Actually, I don't think it's daft but my ass is hurting from the splinters on this fence

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snototterly · 15/09/2016 22:15

So many organs, which could save many lives, are not donated because the family don't know the deceased loved one's opinion about organ donation so don't agree for donation.

This seems such a tragic waste and each year many people on waiting lists for organs die as there are not enough organs. Increasing the awareness of organ donation could be of great personal benefit to any of us, who knows who. I am in total agreement to increasing awareness and not being squaemish about discussing this with children is a good thing I feel.

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Skittlesss · 15/09/2016 22:16

I don't believe we should be able to sign our children up for it. I think it should be a decision you make as an adult. Should the worst happen then yes make the decision... but to add a baby/child to the register seems odd to me. Surely it should be their own choice?

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BertrandRussell · 15/09/2016 22:16

The more encouragement the better. I think not being prepared to donate organs is repellent behaviour.

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greatbigwho · 15/09/2016 22:17

But then babies and children would die because there are no tiny organs available.

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karatekimmi · 15/09/2016 22:18

But it's not even opt in, if I die despite my wishes being to donate my organs, it would be my DH who decides as next of kin. Surely in an opt out situation this would be the same? Surely they can't just harvest organs without telling or asking first? (Wanders off to google it)

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Cocklodger · 15/09/2016 22:19

Karate- do let us know what you find. I fear I may be wrong Blush

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karatekimmi · 15/09/2016 22:20

We signed our kids up as if it was the other way round and they needed a donation I would like to think others would. I can't even really process th reality of that happening and hope I never find out.

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