Have a Heart . . . organ donation – for or against?
September 24th 2008 02:12
It takes real heart to see the bigger picture sometimes
But is it really that simple?
Religion of course plays a huge role – with everyone from the Amish (who consent to transplantation if they are certain that it is for the health and welfare of the transplant recipient) through to Buddists who believe that organ donation is a matter of individual conscience and Catholics who view organ donation as an act of charity, fraternal love and self sacrifice. Transplants are ethically and morally acceptable to the Vatican.
In fact many religions including The Church of Christ, Christian Scientists, Hindi, Islam (which recently reversed their decision on donors) even Johovah’s Witness (who although the group is often assumed to ban transplantation because of its taboo against blood transfusions, it does not oppose donating or receiving organs) have no real bent against the notion – yet still only something like 3% of the population (in this country at least) – opt in.
Personally I still wrangle with the concept.
Sure, the saying you can’t take your organs to heaven – because heaven’s knows we need them here is a marketing coup – but the notion of shuffling off this mortal coil a little less in tact is disconcerting . . .
I can see the bigger picture, I see the ‘charity’ and the good in being a donor – yet it dogs me.
Am I alone?
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Comment by D. Armenta
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Also, I'm always reading about the enormous cost of donor organs--if the donor isn't getting the money, who is?
Comment by Damo
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I saw Coma years ago and I don't want to be strung up on wires waiting to be a fillet 'o' convenience.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Have to say - the whole money issue is something that never really occurred to me . . . and probably doesn't play a part in my thought processes.
I guess a number of current television programs showing the light it brings to others who would have otherwise have had no hope - brings me some way to a resolve.
If the boot was on the the other foot of course - I think we'd all owe our lives (or those of our loved ones) to someone who was so generous as to 'gift' tissue or organs.
It's a tough one emotionally.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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I think that's part of the deal old boy.
Cheers
Comment by Two Guys Sports
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lol I put too much research into comments! After you said 3% I went and searched to find what the percentage was in the U.S. - it is 30% by the way.
However while searching I found a comment about whether organ donation should be opt-in (informed), or opt-out (presumed). I didn't realize some countries have a system in which you ARE an organ donor unless you opt-out or upon your death your relatives object.
Once I saw that my mind says, "OK, now find which countries these are."
The one statement I found said 21 European and Asian countries, but all I could find was 9 in Europe.
Italy, Spain, Belgium, Norway, France, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden.
So, if you ever move there be sure to opt-out if that is what you want.
Also, apparently this option was a big issue in England earlier this year. There was a big debate on whether to change it the UK to opt-out. I think they decided against it, but I could be wrong with that.
I THINK I would donate if I had an extra and didn't need it, or after I died. I am not sure how it all works, but if not in place already I think there should be a provision built in that says if you are dead and being harvested that your relatives have first shot at anything they may be in need of. Like if say your son (NOT your son, just a general statement.) had a kidney problem and needed a new one - total strangers who might be higher on some list get skipped over for your relative.
Gene
Comment by D. Armenta
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After that I always wondered--what if the donor was heavily in debt and left behind a family that needed the money? Who gets the thousands that organ cost? Not the family, we know that for sure.
Also-uninsured people account for a large percentage of organ donorship yet they'd never be eligible to get one themselves. That's so unfair.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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the reason the rate is so low is because they make it so difficult for people to consent . . . its not enough to just display it on your licence and tell your loved ones of your wishes . . . the default presumption should be "yes" not "no" and if you have a major issue with it then you should be the one to jump through the legal hoops
its the same with Do Not Resuscitate and Do Not Treat orders in on elderly people who become brain dead from stroke, you would think some things would not be as difficult as they are
Comment by James Rickard
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Comment by Jason King
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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That's interesting. Wonder who gave those countries the OK to go with the Opt Out rather than Opt In provision - was there some kind of referendum?
As for having your relatives given first option - I can see where you're coming from - though it couid come across as a little ghoulish - a bit like quibbling over an inheritance. Which begs the question - if two members of the same family have similar conditions - which do you choose?
Tough one.
Cheers
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Life's a little like that ain't it?
Cheers
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
They certainly do put hurdles in front of you don't they.
I guess in the process of dotting i's and crossing t's the beaurcrats want a slice of the red-tape action.
Stay well
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
If you weren't - I guess you soon would be.
Tight lines my friend
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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ebay probably isn't the best option . . . but the sentiment (and humour) is admirable.
Sotherby's would get you a much better price.
Cheers
Comment by Jason King
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Comment by Two Guys Sports
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MNG,
That is an excellent point about two relatives needing the same organ.
Actually after i posted the comment I began thinking of a few things that I think changed my mind on making the comment about family getting first dibs. My new thinking was - what if your relative could live 5 years if they didnt get the organ, but still really needed the organ. . . while someone ahead of them on the list had 5 weeks and would be dead without the new organ. That's what turned my thought process around, but like I said add in your two relative idea and it changes my mind even more.
Gene
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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Just love throwing in a curve ball now and again . . .
Cheers
Comment by Johnny Come Lately
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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Nice take on a curly one.
Cheers
Comment by Lilla
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Comment by Miswanderlust
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I am not sure what I think. For now I agree with Damo and Lilla. I am very conflicted.
Mis
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