Organ Donation

[Drusilla]

I read recently that Scottish authorities would like to strengthen the legal authority of the donor card to prevent family members refusing to donate organs, if the donor had made it clear during their life time that this was their desire and intention.
It seems a less controversial approach than the Belgian opt out policy and I wondered whether ABers would agree.
My 9 year old daughter recently asked if she could carry a donor card like mine and I was very proud of her decision.
What do ABers think would be the most acceptible system regarding organ donations?

[LazyGun]

Positive affirmation by the individual concerned, by means of carrying a card, or signing a consent form in hospital if they are compos mentis and able to sign.

The only grey area that i can see is with kids, and Im not sure how the system works atm.

[kick3m0n]

I like the idea of legally strengthening the authority of the donor card. After all, if the dead person wanted to be a donor, was over 18 and carried a card, it isn't right that their family can over rule their wishes. That said, I do also like the opt out policy as it would undoubtedly mean a lot more organs available for transplant, but I can see endless litigation from distraught relatives looking for compensation.

[undercovers]

i support the opt out system, as it obviously (with a little luck) gives you time to make it clear if you really do not wish to donate - i feel this is a lot safer as people being people will through laziness and an attempt to avoid discussing the inevitable will often fail to "opt-in". I don't think families could sue in any case as it is a statute of the land that is in force and if the individual involved cared strongly they would have taken action - you can't sue statute (very easily)

[Oneeyedvic]

I'm with the opt out - the Scottish ruling strikes me as a bit of a silly 'middle ground'.

It would be easy for a next of kin to say, yes he carried one, 'but he said he was going to get rid of it', or 'yes he said his heart could be used but that was all' etc

If someone wants to opt out, then all well and good - but it would be a far simpler system if this was in place (as well as allowing more transplants to ake place)

[snapdarlich]

I think it's a very difficult situation that you cannot begin to understand unless you've been there. Instead of strengthening the legality of the card, I think people should be encouraged to speak to their family about the situation and explain why they feel it is important that they donate their organs. It's a very emotional situation and difficult to judge.

I carry a donor card, but I seriously couldn't say that I'd condemn someone for refusing to allow their loved ones organs to be used.

A difficult situation with a difficult answer.

[kick3m0n]

I have to disagree snap. I think that even if soemone speaks to their next of kin re donation, many families will still choose to refuse donation. After all, I should not need to reiterate to my loved ones teh importance, by carrying the card I am making my preference clear. I knew a surgeon a few years ago and he was saddened by how many relatives overturned or ignored their dead relatives wishes, and refused organ donation, despite a card being carried. Recent figures show that the "George best effect" (and yes, they are actually referring to it as that within the donation network) has devastated the numbers of organs being offered, so something clearly needs to be done.

[camille79]

I think the Scottish proposal would be an excellent idea. At the moment, whether a donor card is carried or not, relatives are faced with the pressure of making an impossible decision at a very difficult time. By making the carrying of a donor card a "contract" they are relieved of this responsibility. I carry a card and would like my organs to be used after my death but I'd find it incredibly difficult to say that my partner or child could have a part of them removed.

[1rovert]

I think it might be an idea, that if anyone wishes to donate their organs, they should go to their doctor, with a relative, and sign a form, which shows they wish to donate. This could then go straight on a national register, where it would be quicker for hospitals to check. The doctor would act as a witness, and in the case of a child, both parents could be present. It would save any more grief to the stricken relative, and the embarrassment of the doctors having to ask. It would also save time in collecting and transporting the organ.