What Do You Think Of Opting Out.......

[Jeza]

Of being an organ donor, instead of opting in.

Personally I don't like it. Imagine the doctors allowing a person to die so that a better qualified or better educated person can live. A scientist say or a cancer specialist or even a member of the Royal family. No I don't like it at all. Please don't say it couldn't happen, stringent checks etc. It will happen we just won't know about it.

[gness]

Jeza...I know more about organ donation than I would like and your statement is complete rubbish. Come back and convince me that you are correct when you have spent some time...a great deal of time...in a dialysis unit or on a transplant ward.
To see the difference a donated organ can make to a family makes the opt out system the only way to go. But it is not compulsory.
Opt out....no-one will judge you and it is very simple.
Have your opinions...but make sure they are with foundation.

[Greedyfly]

You are welcome to do just that OPT OUT. It's no different really besides the fact that it will increase donations after death I can imagine a lot of people who are not against it generally just don't get around to it. When I had my first surgery I was asked to become a donor. I don't think many people are in a situation where they are asked and they probably just don't think about it. I am pretty sure now when you get a drivers license you are asked to opt in.

With regards to doctors deciding to let other people live, this couldn't really happen as this is what the donor list is for and you would need that person to be compatible for a start. I cannot imagine any doctor or medical person treating you any differently regardless of whether you are a donor.

I am a firm believer if you expect an organ if you should ever need one or for a family member that may need one then you should be willing to donate yourself. Simple as that.

[Greedyfly]

re eyes - your eyes have the most uses, one eye can help several people. I understand why people are funny about donating their eyes but can you imagine giving sight back to a person - that would be just as amazing as a heart etc... The gift of sight.

[gness]

Agree, Greedyfly.....and if you have no experience of the system you will have no idea of the number of people involved in the donation of one organ. It is not one doctor making a decision...in fact the doctor is way down the line when decisions are made. There is a whole transplant team at the start of the procedure.
Perhaps Jeza hasn't make herself aware of this.

[anneasquith]

I do wonder why some people object to donating their eyes, and as above ^^^ so many people can benefit from eye donation, think about it,, you will give your heart, but not your eyes, but in saying that everyone has a right to object re their eyes,

[Zacs-Master]

Can't believe this is still going.

[Sharingan]

While I am all for anyone using anything useful of me in the even of my death and have no objection to organ donation at all, I too am somewhat hesitant in thinking that the opt out is a good idea, as like Lottie I dislike the idea that I am by default expected to relinquish control of my dead body unless I have specifically gone to the trouble of opting out. It does indeed presuppose things. I think also a lot of, particularly older people, are still of the opinion that you might be allowed to 'slip away' if you are very ill to help save say half a dozen people waiting for organs, so I'm not sure it won't actually be counter productive in making organs available as I have a hunch that a larger number of people than anticipated might opt out. These are not my thoughts at all, as I said anyone is welcome to recycle me any way they like, but I would not be surprised to see lots opting out.

[anneasquith]

re older people, ,,,,,,,,,,older organs may not e very useful.

[Zacs-Master]

Shar, as I've said before, if you feel that strongly then simply opt out. Problem solved.

[Sharingan]

Zac, I don't feel at all strongly about it, in fact as I already stated, I''m happy to donate all of me if anyone wants anything, I was just saying that I think a lot of people will find it's something they'd rather opt INTO than out of , so you might get a lot of opt outs, which would be a terrible shame.

[woofgang]

That's an interesting article about the sale of livers. I have heard before, from someone who might be believed, that the issue with kidney transplantation in the UK is not always a shortage of kidneys but sometimes a shortage of operating slots. Where a kidney becomes available and there is not theatre and team available within its lifespan, then it too can be sold.......
I have also never forgotten Two Jags saying "transplant organs are a national resource" which stuck in my craw a bit.

[woofgang]

I to think that they should stick with the current opt in system.

[Zacs-Master]

Shar, I think you just argued my point. Anyway, nice to see you back.

[gness]

Zacs...it's a subject I feel strongly about...I was gallivanting all week and am doing some catch up.....so I was late in with my twopence worth. x

[gness]

Whether it's opt in or opt out a decision needs to be made. Opting in is often put off.....opting out will make people come to a decision and discuss it with family at a time that isn't so emotional and the family will be sure of the feelings of the potential donor/non donor. It really is simple.

[DJHawkes]

what i don't like is that this is all about carrying a little card in your purse or wallet. I have no intention of doing that. If someone is not carrying an opt in or opt put card surely noone has the right to do anything after you're gone.

[woofgang]

but gness, if he person hasn't decided either way then the family can decide to allow organ donation....if the person has opted out then that option will be closed.

[gness]

Dot....the card matters not. Those of us who have already opted in are on a register. My card was in my stolen purse and I don't need to replace it...my family and friends also know my wishes.
The problem is when the person hasn't made the choice..one way or another and the staff have to discuss organ donation at a terrible time...perhaps after an accident. That is not the time for making such decisions so opt out and stay off the register...simple and no questions need be asked.

[gness]

Woof...many people refuse now because they are too unsure of the person's wishes and just can't make the decision. If it is all done and dusted when we are well and clear thinking it is so much easier and the donor has made the decision...not the terribly upset family members who may not even agree.
The young woman whose kidney my husband received was on the register, had a card in her bag and when the family knew she wasn't going to survive they didn't have the added trauma of a decision on donation. They knew her wishes and she saved and helped so many people.