Opting out of organ donation

[ringme]

So the law has changed and this spring the NHS will consider you to be an organ donor automatically if you don’t opt out. I haven’t had a chance to really consider this all yet, WIBU to opt out at this stage until I have time to think about it or is that a selfish move given that 408 people died last year waiting for a donor?

What will you be doing?

www.organdonation.nhs.uk/helping-you-to-decide/about-organ-donation/faq/what-is-the-opt-out-system

Once I’m dead they can have whatever they like of me

How much time do you really need to think about this though?

What would be your reason for opting out? What research do you feel you need to do?

I think it's a personal decision. But I can't understand why a person wouldn't - when they could no longer make use of their organs just give them to someone that could. I know it's an ideological thing but I would never wish to die with my heart or lungs in perfect working condition when clearly they could go to use. It seems very selfish but then again so is society so there we go.

My view on it is that if you'd be willing to accept organ donation for you and your next of kin, you should be willing to donate as well.

Why not stay opted in while you think about it?

Personally I think that if you would accept an organ donation if you needed one then it would be very unreasonable not to be on the register.

I agree with Jellyonaplate. If you'd take one, you should give one

I have opted out as I am donating my body to medical research. There isn't a section to explain your reasons for opting out though.

Personally my body, while I am alive and when I am at death's door, is still my body, and it is up to me, not the state, to say whether I opt for donating my organs or not.

YABU to think you can speak for everybody else

YAB massively U if you think it's such an easy decision when it's one of your relatives. No one should have to think about giving their kids organs, but you are so horribly insensitive if you can't understand why it's not such a selfish or horrible decision to make.

YABU.

What there to think about? When your dead your dead and your organs are of no use to you. I think its quite selfish to want to opt out.

If you opt out of donating an organ, you should be banned from receiving one. Seems fair to me.

Do you think you might need your organs once you're dead?
What do you plan to do with them?

Thats probably what I will do @Cohle

And definitely have considered what the case would be if I needed a donor.

I just wonder what they would take, if it could all be put to good use...

I hope that they can use my organs when I'm dead (unlikely as they won't take my blood anymore). I've never understood why people don't

Already opted out.

My family know my wishes and will abide by them - or else!

I used to be uncertain about this, but since I saw the bodies of both DF and FIL in funeral homes, I realise they really are just bodies. It would have made no difference to how they looked had they had their organs removed, and would have made no difference to the funerals.

Therefore if I can help people if I end up it that situation, I'd like to. I actually think it's crazy that good, reusable organs which can't be manmade go to waste. Logically it's daft and emotionally, life is so precious, it's sad not to have them all used to help someone else.

How much thinking do you intend to do about it?

It's early January now and this doesn't come into force until Spring

I have never needed to consider this. It's a no- brainer. If you would accept an organ you should be willing to donate.

Aquamarine1029 I agree!

I won't opt out, but have to say an automatic opt in makes me feel queasy.

It would sit better with me if they gave you multiple opportunities to opt in - eg at the GP, dentist, optician, I think they already do when you get a driving licence, passport application/renewal, when you register at a new house for council tax, that sort of thing.

And then it should be binding, so family members can't veto it. That appears to be the biggest problem.

But just assuming the state can harvest your organs - I am not sure. Obviously if I were desperate for an organ myself or for a loved one, I might feel differently.

And definitely have considered what the case would be if I needed a donor.

What would it be?

is that a selfish move given that 408 people died last year waiting for a donor?

Do you really need to ask?

(In fact I think I opted in when I first gave blood when I was 18)

I'm seriously considering donating my body but up until now I've always been a potential donor and made sure my family knew my wishes.

how much time do you really need to think about this though?
^ this
If it’s not automatically obvious to you, then there is something wrong and you need to investigate that (I.e. bad experience...)
Why would it matter what happens with your body once your soul is gone?
I have seen so many lives and families saved by organ donation. I haven’t seen one which was shattered by it.

I fully support this government initiative.