Organ Donation?

Hecateh · Foundation Stone Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 2006

Gordon Brown has announced he is in favour of 'opt out' rather than 'opt in' and for once I totally agree with him.

I think it must be dreadful to have to ask relatives after someone close to them has just dies and I think often it isn#t done because the right person isn't at work at the time.

I am registered anyway but I'm not sure if my kids are. We have discussed it and they are both in favour but getting round to registering is something they can't meaningfully see the need for. They know anything is possible but they are still of an age where they know they will live forever.

Many families don#t discuss it and without the person's wishes being known it must be hard for relatives to say yes.

So long as people are given the right to opt out, I can#t see why this hasn#t been put in place years ago.

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Nannyp · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 4:07 pm Post subject:

I totally agree also. I was very interested in the stats from Spain, something like 3 times more donors than the UK.
I hope it happens and soon.

angelfruit · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 4:52 pm Post subject:

Ditto
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patweb · Pioneer Joined: 11 Feb 2007 Posts: 768 Location: Glasgow

I agree with this too. It's something that's long overdue.

dragonfly · Pioneer Joined: 13 Feb 2007 Posts: 1507 Location: Wales

me too. i agree! i think its an excellant idea that no doubt will be thrown out because of a tiny minority... bend over britain

dingsy · Site Admin Joined: 11 Feb 2007 Posts: 2106 Location: Devon

It seems to be such a logical and relatively simple step to take, it's surely long overdue.

Incidentally we are all registered (not sure my organs will be much use!).We didn't raise the topic-they did -and both registered in their teens. Jennifer was first off the mark at 15! We felt it was too young, but respected her decision. Iain followed suit several years later at 17.(In Scotland it's legal to register at 12, and the decision can't be overturned by the parents) I often joke that my kids are "middle age" in outlook, and things like this demonstrate why. We're very proud of them both, as they made conscious and informed decisons long before we would have considered doing so (Brian and I were both 19 when we signed up).

angelfruit · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:48 pm Post subject:

My niece was killed by a car when she was 11. She was airlifted to hospital and remained on a life support for some time before passing. The knowledge that her organs went to help so many people was a tremendous comfort to all of us through the grieving process. Even now, many years later, it is nice to know that a bit of Becky lives on x
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Be who you are, and say what you feel ... because those who mind don't matter ... and those who matter don't mind.

http://anangelblogonearth.blogspot.com
http://angelfruit-myphotodiary.blogspot.com/
http://darlingbuds.myfreeforum.org

Guest · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:17 pm Post subject:

I think it is a great idea to 'opt out' rather than 'opt in'.....I did work in theatre when a multi organ harvest was taking place and the whole of theatre was so respectful ..it was sort of awesome....and a real privilege to witness that sort of gift.

Guest · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:41 pm Post subject:

I'm all for it, too. We have opt-out in France, too, and it just makes so much sense. As the system stands in the UK, even with a donor card etc, relatives have to be asked the question at the most difficult time of their lives, and so a great many organs do not get used that otherwise might save a life (or several).