to not want to help someone to live after my death?

[dolldaggabuzzbuzz]

I am on the organ donor register. I am willing to donate all my organs to those who may need them in the event of my untimely death.

However, if the new system of presumed consent is brought in, I am opting out. I can't explain why I feel like I do about this. Am I being unreasonable?

I agree. An opt out system really will save lives.

The 2008 review was a disgrace. The people behind it had an immense responsibility upon which many lives depended.

They got it wrong.

Well said lotsofmischief

I hope your LO is doing well - all the best x

Thank you for sharing your stories Shabby and Eggy.

I have witnessed organ harvesting. It is all done with the upmost tact and care and afterwards the department gets sent a letter saying exactly how many people have been helped. It really is a wonderful gift.

From an Islamic point of view, brain death is viewed as death and it is permissable to switch off life support at this point. While there is a very strong emphasis on respecting the body after death and not damaging it, modern scholars have concluded that organ donation is allowed and should be viewed as charitable act. Certainly there is a big push to increase blood and organ donation in the Muslim community.

Mrs bethel,

I worry about dying every time I get into a car, or cross the street, or eat in a dodgy restaurant...

I seem to cope with life quiet well, but have had serious anxiety issues. Maybe that doesn't help in my case...

Sorry to hear that. I've had my own anxiety issues too. Not nice.

You can't explain how you feel, and that's why you are not being unreasonable. You don't have to justify yourself - if you don't feel quite right about it you have every reason to opt out. I think it is all to do with choice. I have chosen NOT to be an active donor because I don't feel comfortable and haven't made up my mind yet, and part of me doesn't care if my relatives make the decision anyway should I die. However, if presumed consent comes into play, part of me feels my hand is being forced to make a decision that I am not ready for and I will opt out! I know this doesn't entirely make sense either because if I'm not that fussed now about making a decision to opt in, why should I be fussed and feel the need to opt out.

thumbwitch I vaguely remember telling my mother I would allow anything to be used and she didn't like it. I haven't spoken to her in 18 years so don't really care what she thinks now. My DH is primed to write on my death and make it clear my eyes were taken.

FAB, that makes perfect sense - nice touch there with the letter from your DH! :)

I thought I was being a bitch.

YABVU.

Most people are apathetic about most things. We all have our areas of concern, and that which lies outside gets overlooked. If someone cares about not having their organs used, they'll opt out, just as at the moment someone who cares the other way opts in. The presumption will be in favour of saving lives, not against. That makes a damn sight more sense than people dying needlessly because of apathy.

FAB - well yes, but understandably so! your post reminded me of your situation with your mum so I fully get the point.

Thanks tw .

Sorry, haven't read the whole thread, so may be repeating what others have said, but the first question you should ask yourself should be "would you accept a donated organ for yourself, or a member of your family if it was necessary?" If you answer yes, then you should be on the register yourself - no question.

I think "opt out" is a fantastic idea - how many people don't sign up to the register out of laziness, apathy, or simply not knowing it is there? When I am dead I hope as many bits of my body will be used as possible, and those of my children/husband/other family members too.

Fine, if you are fundamentally opposed to organ donor I respect that, but to opt out on a petty whim seems ludicrous to me. so, YABVVVVU!!