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Original poster

Donation of organs 'should be automatic' upon death

235 replies

LittleLupin · 17/07/2007 08:34

Story here

"People should automatically have their organs removed for transplant after they die unless they opted out while alive, Britain's most senior doctor is expected to say tomorrow in his annual report."

Sounds like a good idea to me.

OP posts:
saltireslytherin · 17/07/2007 08:37

I agree. I know what it's like to be waiting for someone to "get the call". LL I have emailed you!

JemimaPip · 17/07/2007 08:47

Hoorah, and not before time.

Callisto · 17/07/2007 08:51

About time too.

Original poster
LittleLupin · 17/07/2007 08:51
OP posts:
hazygirl · 17/07/2007 08:56

that is a good idea as often family too upset to make a decision

FillydoraTonks · 17/07/2007 08:59

bloody hell what a good idea

TheMuppetMuggle · 17/07/2007 09:06

I think thats a great idea, I've got my card in my purse. the only thing i want left is my eyes.

nailpolish · 17/07/2007 09:13

can parents opt their children out. im not sure about this being a good idea im afraid

TootyFrooty · 17/07/2007 09:14

I agree. I'd be interested to know why the 80% of the population who agree with this idea aren't already carrying an organ donor card.

Loobeeloo · 17/07/2007 09:15

Sorry I don't agree. If we take this step how long before we are like Austria where it is mandatory.

I had a 5 year old sister who died of meningitis and I remember the undue pressure put on my mum and dad to donate organs, it should be by choice.

What makes me uncomfortable is that a person could be in a situation where as a parent if your child was seriously ill and in intensive care there is then a fine line between the doctors fighting to save them versus the no of lives that could be saved by harvesting their organs.

We know that humans are fallible and there will come a time where a not so scrupulous hospital manager/dr trying balance the already stretched nhs books could feasibly be weighing up the cost of treatment in cases where there might be less hope (but still hope) against the cost saved by using the donated organs to save several lives.

It's all very big brother and I believe in freedom of choice.

saggermakersknockturnalley · 17/07/2007 09:15

I'm sure you would be able to naily.

FioFioJane · 17/07/2007 09:17

they have been on about an opt system in this country for years, unluckily I cannot see it happening tbh for a variety of reasons-religion being one

floo · 17/07/2007 09:17

I agree about time we came in line with Europe and gave people little or no choice, but I don't want to leave my eyes. I feel awful about wanting to keep my eyes as not many people leave them, I suppose it is one of the most defining parts of your body. My Organ Transplant card is in my purse, but it is also part of my Driving Licence. My Great Aunt left her body to science, we just had a memorial service for her.

nailpolish · 17/07/2007 09:18

you agree there should be little or no choice?? seriously??

FioFioJane · 17/07/2007 09:18

I am SURE the donor card thing is a lie aswell. I am sure organs can be removed from a persons body with the 'wishes' (and that conveyed by their family) without a donor card

feel free to correct me if I am wrong, but I am sure thats the case

FioFioJane · 17/07/2007 09:19

and of course it should be a choice

TootyFrooty · 17/07/2007 09:19

How about sending everyone an organ donor card? Those people who want to do it can fill it in and those who don't can bin it. It would cost a huge amount of money but if it goes some way to reducing the number of people (400 a year) who die whilst waiting for organs then it must be worth it.

Loobeeloo · 17/07/2007 09:19

Absolutely Fio the drs can always ask the family for permission for the very reason that not everyone carries a card

nailpolish · 17/07/2007 09:20

you are right fio
the donor card means F all
if someone has a donor card, the drs still have to find the next of kin and ask their permission
a donor card isnt the best thing - tellling your next of kin your wishes is the best thing to do

saggermakersknockturnalley · 17/07/2007 09:20

I don't see that happening loobee. My understanding is that you have to be brain stem dead before they harvest organs - even if they give up fighting for you, your other organs generally fail before that.

I do have some reservations about this but on the whole think it's a step forward.

BandofMuggles · 17/07/2007 09:20

That is a great idea. Has Misdee seen it do you think??

It is so silly to waste all the viable organs from healthy people's accidental deaths.
Tho I can see why some people don't give permission when someone they love dies, I think it's a bad decision when so many other lives could be saved or improved. i would want to help as many people as possible, they can even use skin now for grafting on burn victims and all sorts.

MadEyeMisdee · 17/07/2007 09:21

i agree.

it should be opt out.

saggermakersknockturnalley · 17/07/2007 09:21

There still would be a choice though.

Opt out.

FioFioJane · 17/07/2007 09:22

It really irritates me when you get a half cocked story ina reputable newspaper like this. If they are going to say it is the LAW in this country, they ought to get their facts right first

MadEyeMisdee · 17/07/2007 09:22

loobeeloo people have to be brain dead to use organs, not everyone who dies can donate.