Organ donation, opt in, or opt out?

[misdee]

opt out.

Well, for one, the state doesn't forbid me getting an abortion if I want one. The state doesn't force me to be sterilised if I've already had one or two kids or if I'm disabled. Those decisions about my body are mine to make. They don't force me to use birth control.

So I don't agree with their mandating that everyone be an organ donor unless they opt out.

Sorry expat - I mean't after you're dead

But when you're dead it doesn't matter - this is what I have trouble getting my head around, that people mind what happens after they're dead; I believe there is one religion which says that on Judgment Day your body and soul will be reunited, or something like that, but for the others surely when you're gone you're gone and what's left may as well be used to help others live. fio2's sister died from CF for lack of a heart-lung transplant, and last year's head girl at the 6th form here also has CF; a lovely girl and she could die too before suitable donor organs are available.

Someone asked way down the thread "if your child needed a transplant would you turn it down on principle?" Well, which of you who thinks opt-in is the only fair way would?

Eh? Sorry but that question makes no sense to me, potty.

I think people should make their own decisions about life and death, including assisted suicide for the terminally ill, w/o state interference, and that includes organ donation.

Well if you're dead, then why do so many who were pro 'opt out' have such a problem w/donating their corneas?

Jan, I've told dh that I will haunt him

Very much agree with HM and janh. The sad fact is that you are dead and that your organs will be used to save and improve lives. The best possible use for them.

Agree also with potty1!

Also don't understand why your corneas shouldn't be taken. They can have mine.

expat, the cornea thing seems bizarre to me too.

I profoundly hope that any bits of me that can be removed that would help to improve the quality and/or quantity of someones life should be used. I would like to think that my death has some benefit.

I would draw the line at ovarian tissue tho, as they would be my genetic offspring. (and I realise that this isn't done atm, just thinking ahread IYSWIM)

there are only certain situatoins you can become a donor after you die, and tbh its more likely tou'll be a recipient of something donated than be a donor.

i dont think that when you die the 'state' will own your body, but you could be saving someones life.

I guess when it comes to it though the decision has to be made whilst your heart is still beating and you're still breathing, but you are brain dead. Under these circs I can see why the decision is more difficult. Dh and I are both potential donors, and I would want the same for the ds's, but to have to make that decision when you're still fighting for hope...

As for the register, I was astounded to read on the BMA site that the register is not routinely referred to. Also Donor cards are only useful if you carry them on your body - if they're in your handbag the paramedics may not retrieve that. Hence the importance that your next of kin/close relatives know your wishes. They can act on those wishes whether or not you are registered.

Janh, I would also not refuse a transplant for my children (I am a supporter of opt-in). I think that there are other ways of increasing available donors, and ensuring that we have a joined up transplant system. I am concerned that the views and rights of certain ethnic/religious groups could be seen to be trampled upon (eg Muslims wish to be buried by sundown, and there is a concern that donation could prevent this - this has been clarified not to be the case by the Muslim council). The current law does not require registration anyway, and it is more important that the enxt of kin knows your wishes. I think that greater awareness and specific training for the staff approaching relatives would be helpful.

Not strictly relevant, but I had an emergency c/s with ds1, and an SHO was trying to get my consent as I was being taken to theatre. He made such a bad job of it, that I asked to speak to someone else, as on the basis of what he was saying I was not going to consent and wanted to know what alternative there was! The registrar reassured me in seconds! (During my second pregnancy I was "accidentally" consented for a hysterectomy!).

i know ladymuck, and to know that a family has to make a descision when essentially their child/husband/wife etc is still alive as their heart is beating, makes me think tthose people are amazing.

peter has said they can have any part of him that is usuable.

Ladymuck, I'm shocked that they don't routinely look at the register these days. I'm not surprised that in an emergency they don't have time to rummage through personal belongings looking for a donor card, but once they have an ID surely someone could spare a few seconds to look them up.

I agree that a properly joined-up donor system is essential, but if they don't bother to use the un-joined-up one we have now, how long is it going to take?

HMB - I have written on my donar card that they can't have my ovaries....how paranoid am I?

I think you should be asked at regular point in your life whether or not you want to...maybe the electoral register - sort of notify us if you want to change your mind. That normally comes in many languages (if requested) and catches maybe 90% of the population.

I so disagree that the family can say no. If DH died I'd say yes DD would say yes (we have discussed it) but his mum would say no...who decides?

Annual electoral register form great idea, katymac!

katymac, you would decide as you are his next of kin, not his mum. thats how i understand it.

But with family politics (she hates me already) would I be brave enough to insist.....I like to think yes but?

It is so not up to her though, katymac!

We grow up, we leave home, we make our own friends, we form our own opinions - god, imagine doing what your parents think is right when you're 40 or 50 or 60

Yes you would put your foot down - you know him better than her - good grief! (Hope it never comes to that of course )

Janh - he is 53 on Saturday and still under his mommies thumb, but only when she is aound (thats why we moved)

I think the electoral register idea is great too,

The more I think about it the better it is

It wouldn't catch everyone but it would be more proactive than the system we have

The electoral register was used once, but apparently there are some legal problems with using it, so it can't be done again.

Well then maybe they should do a universal mailing like the electoral reg (which isn't mailed come to think of it, is it, local council people do hand-delivery or something?) with a prize draw like the electoral reg if you send it back quickly.

(I still prefer opt-out though - I'm sure the majority of people just don't think about it, but would favour donation if they did.)

janh, my sister did get a transplant honey unluckily things werent meant to be and she died 3 years after she received it. Worst thing is transplants arent a cure

transplants run high risks, and afterwards the recipient can be very ill for a long time. and the body can reject the organ at any time. its not all plain sailing, people say 'oh he'll be ok after a transplant wont he?', well his quality of life will hopefully be better, but he will never be as fit as he was before he fell ill.