Organ donation - should we have to opt out?

[NJOK]

In this country, once you die, your organs are unavailable for donation unless you have expressly asked for them to be used.

In 14 European countries, it's the other way round. It is assumed that your organs can be taken for someone else, unless you have made the decision to opt out.

Should we follow the lead of these countries?

[joko]

i understand what you mean jno, but the problem is quite simply many people don't bother to add their names to the list - too much effort.
if asked, they may add it but most don't like to even think about it, perhaps superstition, think they are tempting fate(!) but many people can't be bothered to do anything without some kind of gain for them in it
my own sister gets all ''icky'' at the thought, and refuses to even think about it and my brother simply couldn't care less, and would not bother to opt in.
my dad won't wear anything black(!) because he's superstitious...so people can't be trusted to to opt in.

i think the government should sent a letter to everyone asking them to fill in a form - and say if the form is not returned they will go onto the opt in register - that way anyone against it will be forced to return the letter and anyone not bothered won't

i agree though, you can have what you like from me once i am gone

[kwicky]

I often think it a good idea. But when you consent do people with private treatment benefit from your ogans? Is there a proviso you can add saying that they can only be used for NHS patients?

[joko]

as far i know, it goes by who is most in need, you cannot bypass the list with money.
i think in these circumstances, all going private does is give you your own room and a tv and all that kind of stuff.

at least that is what i understood it to be - be interested to hear if someone knows better...?

[jno]

I also don't like opt-outs on principle - the idea that some legal obligation is imposed on anyone to say something or lose their rights. The right to stay silent and lose nothing - in court, for instance - is a valuable one, which most governments would like to take away. But doubtless this government could include something about organ donation when they introduce their ID cards, in which it also seems we are to lose any choice. And yes, I do put widows' feeling above others. I've not been a widow, but I've known some; and I believe their feelings should not lightly be overriden. Can they themselves at present override the wishes of a late husband who okayed the re-use of his organs? I'm not sure.

[~Wingnut~]

You are indeed correct joko. There is no 'top of the list' it is narrowed down to patients who are the nearest match to the donor and is then narrowed down further by closest cross match possible. More tests are done when the patient goes in to check they are in good enough health for the operation and then they dialyise etc. at least this is what happened with my husband. Although we got the call at 5.50am we didn't know until late afternoon whether my husband would be having the kidney or not.

[lovejoy]

Of course the answer is yes donor organs should be automatic, what is the point people dying whilst healthy organs are being incinerated in a crematorium.

What possible point is there to that situation?

[ruby27]

In response to jno, I would have thought with the present situation the views of the deceased are not valid as they do not have any means of voicing their view unless carry a card of consent or some other means stating that you did not give permission for the harvesting of all, or particular organs. It is the next of kin whoever that is who is going to make the decision. Probably it will echo the view of the deceased but not necessarily. For example if next of kin have never discussed this issue they will be guided by own beliefs rather than wishes of deceased. Therefore if you had a system where you recorded your opinion, this would more accurately reflect your wishes rather than leading it to your next of kin who may happen to have a different view.

[Joe_the_Lion]

Just had an idea. If (or when) ID cards are in force, why not add donor acceptance on them?

[jno]

excellent idea, Joe, which is why I suggested it four posts earlier.

[Le Chat]

I went to the Dr's some months ago and he sent me for some routine blood tests. The initial problem for which I was sent, turned out to be ok but what was found in my blood sample was that my kidneys are only working at 52% of their 100% potential. Of this I had no idea. No symptoms, nothing. This is classed as level 3 of kidney disease. Level 1 being excellent, level 5 being at failure. Fortunately, I have taken steps to help myself and at the last blood test, my kidneys were at 72%, which is a vast improvement.
My point is, is that we often assume that there is a long, slippery slope and years of illness before a person needs a transplant ..and that it only happens to other people. Well, it could happen to you and me, at any time and with no warning. The subject of transplantation needs to encompass the 'opt out' solution so that we may all carry on living without the added burden of 'hoping' that an organ my be free, match our bodies and not be rejected!

[kwicky]

In future maybe we can store some of our own stem cells for future use.