Organ Donation

[mikey4444]

There is good news this morning about the rise in organ donation after someone has died.

But it would seem that we still have a long way to go. There are 1000's of people on the waiting list for organ transplants, most of them kidneys. Apparently every body that allows organ donation, saves 4 lives.

Why wouldn't anybody want to save lives by donating their organs ?

[mrs_overall]

If anyone reading this is not signed up as a donor, it takes 2 minutes on line

http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/how_to_become_a_donor/

[sara3]

I don't understand why more people don't give blood, too.

[ummmm]

I think we need to change the system to an 'opt out' system. It will eventually be assumed that organs will always be donated.

[rockyracoon]

I personally think it's a lack of trust in the health service and probably a lot of ignorance in how it all happens.

[Baldric]

Organ Donation in R & S?

[mrs_overall]

There has long been talk of an opt out system where everyone is presumed to want to donate after death unless they have opted out.
I doubt this will ever happen because of the Muslim population (and to be fair other religious groups) in this country are against the idea. What is so laughable is that Muslims and Jews CAN donate but their reluctance to do so is cultural rather than religious. It is hypocritical of them as they are prepared to receive organs but not donate.
The last time I looked at statistics (I think it was for 2009 or 2010, there were NO Muslim organ donors). I hope this doesn't sound like a racist rant because it isn't.
BTW donated organs from one body can save more than 4 lives

[mrs_overall]

Another statistic - in the UK 18 people die each day waiting for transplants

[mikey4444]

Thanks Mrs O !

[rockyracoon]

That's very sad Mrs O.

I joined the register when I taxed the car earlier this year, being honest I really don't like the idea but I can't be a hypocrite as I'd happily accepted an organ if I needed one.

[ummmm]

But if we had an opt out system then Muslims could opt out.

Maybe only people opting in should be able to receive an organ.

[mrs_overall]

There is a big drive at the moment to recruit more ethnic donors. One huge stumbling block is that many Muslims say they would sign up....as long as their organs could only go to other Muslims.

[sara3]

I agree with ummmm.. if you're prepared to take you should be prepared to give.

[naomi24]

There's some information and statistics here relating to religion and ethnic minorities.

http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/campaigns/other_campaigns/asian/research.asp

[Baldric]

Would JWs need to opt out or would they automatically get a bye?

[RATTER15]

Thanks Mrs_O I just signed up with your link.

I know, I should have done it years ago.

[ummmm]

You could opt out at the time of birth. When that child grows up they can chose to opt in.

[mrs_overall]

JW's can donate organs.
The tricky issue for them is receiving a transplant as the organ should have every trace of blood removed from it, which is impossible

[naomi24]

//According to the Watch Tower Society, Jehovah's Witnesses believe donation is a matter of individual decision. Jehovah's Witnesses are often assumed to be opposed to donation because of their belief against blood transfusion. However, this merely means that all blood must be removed from the organs and tissues before being transplanted.//

from here: http://www.organtransplants.org/understanding/religion/

Not sure how 'all blood' could be removed from all organs and tissues before being transplanted.

[ummmm]

I just think it's not very nice for doctors or relatives to have to ask and answer that question shortly after the death of a loved one.

[mrs_overall]

naomi - it can't all be removed