Everyone should be an organ donor?

[AB Asks]

A top doctor has suggested that everyone be treated as an organ donor unless they specifically specify otherwise. Hundreds of lives a year could be saved with a system like this. The current system means only people who have specifically stated they are willing to give organs act as donors. What do you think? Would it be unethical to take a person's organs if they had not agreed previously? Or is it a way of saving many lives � which you can opt out of if you don't want to be a donor?

[spanner7853]

I do agree with it but what happens if your a particular religion such as Jehovas witness' do they become exempt?

[redcrx]

I think that those that dont want to be an organ donor would feel more strongly than those that would / maybe / possibly donate. Therefore those wanting to drop out WOULD make that call to come out of it.

Its a good idea but I would like to know if it would just cover over 18s? Id hate to think that if something were to happen to my child that his organs could be taken without consultation.

[China Doll]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question43 2617.html

This question is already doing the rounds AB.

[LoftyLottie]

Thread already running about this in News

[LoftyLottie]

Snap China Doll!!!

[China Doll]

Great minds and all that Lottie...

Now how do I report this question as a duplicate?!

[betty3000]

Can anyone confirm? I was under the impression that even if you carry a donor card that is signed by you, if something happens and you are eligable to donate organs then your next of kin still has to agree. If they don't then you can't donate....what is the point then of being on the register..?

[funnygirl]

I too agree.
After all when you're gone, your organs are not gonna be any good on to you!
Only certain people could be exempt on religious grounds and age.

[Kirstyhev]

I agree with funnygirl, what use are your organs to anyone once you have passed, unless you are donating them.

I don't understand what you are saying redcrx, why would you want, or need, to hang on to your child's organs when they could be so desparately needed?

[ethandron]

i'm all in favour. if you feel strongly enough, on whatever grounds (not just religious, but any strong feelings you may have) then it is up to you to opt out. no-one is suggesting that you're forced to be an organ donator against your will, just to take responsibility yourself for opting out. ask yourself how you would feel if someone in your family needed a transplant and there were millions of suitable organs going to waste just because people hadn't bothered to make their wishes known.

[ethandron]

if a person is under 16/18, then it should be up to the parents to decide. i can't agree that childrens organs should be taken if it's against the wishes of the family.

[LoftyLottie]

If a parent does not want their child's organs to be used, then I think that decision should be respected. It is a very emotive subject and their reasoning should not be questioned.

[redcrx]

Kirstyhev, where did i say that i would or would not allow my childs organs to be taken?? I didnt express an opinion as far as i can see.

I said that i would like to be consulted about it rather than be told that they were taking organs out of my child without asking.

[Kirstyhev]

Well I disagree, I think that everyone's organs should be donated once they pass. What use are they to anyone underground or as ashes?

[LoftyLottie]

Kirsty, some people might have religious reasons or emotional reasons, or some other private reasons why they wouldn't want their own or their loved ones organs used. We have to respect people's differences.

I still remain convinced that the system should be an 'Opt in' one rather than an 'Opt out'. I feel quite strongly about this. A great deal of people will not even think to opt out or won't even realise that they can. Not everybody keeps in touch with current news and legislation.

Do you have to carry a card if you are an organ donor or is there a national database? If doctors or hospitals asked people routinely at check ups, etc. if they would like to be added to a database, more people would say 'yes' than 'no'.
They could soon build up the database.

[spanner7853]

I have a card and I'm on the donor website so they can look me up to find out. I also told my hubby that if there is anything worth taking then take it. After all I wont be needing it when i'm gone. My daughter has discussed it with me and she would like to which I am glad about as I hate the thought of someone taking my children's body parts although I would still agree to it.

[joko]

people can eat me for all i care... they can have the lot.

i think people don't bother to register because they don't want to think about it, but they will opt out if they have an objection.

i think its a good idea