Organ donation, opt in, or opt out?

[misdee]

opt out.

If you die in circumstances where your organs may be potentially used, for example in a car accident - the likelihood is that there would be a post-mortem anyway. At least if you are a donor your organs will be used usefully - not just examined and put back.

LOL, potty! edam, do you not know if you're coming or going today?

Apparently most common type og non-living donor is someone in a road traffic accident. Would they reallt be subject to a full post-mortem? Would have expected the cause of death to be pretty obvious, and would hate to think that pm's are done dust so so doctor's could try to identify precisely which of the numerous injuries was the ultimately fatal one...

opt out.

The only reason why the vast majority of people havn't opted in, is because they simply havn't got round to it

If on the other hand, you feel very strongly that you DONT want to donate your organs, you are more likely to be proactive and opt out.

Opt out.

I don't carry a card but I am on the register.

Opt in

although agree with the person who's opted having there wishes respected.

Oops I meant opt-in! Both times. Sigh....

Opt out. Definitely.

If people feel very strongly about not having their organs used, they can opt out. Simple.

And there should be no veto from next of kin for those with the way the system is currently. That's just barking.

I would elect for an opt out system. There is a dire shortage in the UK, and it can be even worse for some ethnic groups who have the triple wammy of often needing more kidneys (as they have more blood pressure trouble), being difficult to match outside their ethnic groups (because of rare MHC groupings) and having fewer than the average number of donated organs (cadaver) because of cultural objections to post mortem donation.

I carry the card and would be so angry if my wished were overturned my my family.

Why are people so against the idea of organ donation? They'll be...how to put this delicately...can't...er...dead.

opt out, because many relatives just aren't thinking about it when their family member dies, and the window of oportunity is very small.
My mother in law died suddenly after an asthma attack many years ago. I don't think that organ donation was mentioned at the time. When I asked my fil (a few years later) he said that he probably would have liked to be able to donate. As it happened she had multiple organ failure, so it would probably only have been the corneas, but that still could have helped someone. Of course it would require checks and balances, but I don't think that it would automatically mean that your body belonged "to the state", as we are not talking about giving your body to science / experiments etc.

Many people really don't like talking or thinking about things related to death, and that's probably the largest reason that people aren't on the list. Maybe there should be an automatic appointment generated for everyone at 18 or so, so that you got put on the list after someone talks to you about it, so that you can have an "informed opt out". Obviously children would have to be with parental consent, but again maybe a conversation could happen? It sounds a bit brutal, but I know that it is difficult to find organs for children.

My neice died wilst waiting for a liver transplant, and I started thinking about a living donation at the time (unfortunately she died very soon after). I think that the idea of being able to save someone's life is fantastic. I'm also on the Anthony Nolan bone marrow transplant list. If anyone is thinking about that check out their web-site here

opt out. Those who felt strongly that they didn't want to donate or recieve would make damn sure they opted out if they were trully against it

HM, not everybody believes that death is the end, and for some people there are specific beliefs around what happens to their bodies after death. This is particularly a sensitive area for certain ethnic groups, where potentially lack of understanding/administration/language has led to very low donor rates.

LM...very good point.

Could say an awful lot more on the subject though, but would offend swathes of people, I'm sure!

papillion, no i didnt see it, can u direct me to it?

RTA's are where most organs come from (IYKWIM), and with medical advances mroe people are being saved, whicvh is great, but means less organs are available, which is not so great.

But that survey (BBC) that misdee mentioned said around 90% of people would happy to donate but far less than that carry a donor card.

Again. Opt out if it bothers you, and why it should I have no idea. I know not all religions would be happy with it but I know a number of religious people who have donor cards.

hmb, "I carry the card and would be so angry if my wished were overturned my my family."

Just wondering how your anger would manifest

(Not mocking, I would be angry too but too late...too late...)

Those whose religion doesn't allow donation can opt out.

There are often post-mortems LM despite the 'obvious' injuries....then an inquest . There are more and more post-mortems taking place in general because of the Shipman inquiry.

Jan - I've told dh I'll be back to haunt him if he doesn't respect my wishes.

I'm not against organ donation, but I AM afraid of state-mandated donation unless an individual opts out. I don't like the idea of the state assuming possession of MY body - my organs - even after I die.

I think more education needs to get done and that relatives should NOT be able to veto an adult's wishes to donate.

I won't need my body or organs after I'm dead though, so should anyone need them more than me, they're very welcome to them.

Good post expat.

Really hope nobody would "need" my whole body though... Hmm...

expat - what might the state do with your body that it can't do already?