Shortage of Donors

[flip_flop]

As we have a huge shortage of donors in this country, should we have an opt-out system?

This strikes me as a quick and easy fix.

Alternatively, for adults, how about adopting a system whereby if you aren't a registered donor you forfeit the right to be a recipient?

[China Doll]

I've alwyas thought an 'opting out' system is a much better alternative. I would imagine that apathy would at least be a useful tool. I think they do something like this in Europe but I'm not sure.

I think the latter is a little harsh though.

[Sqad]

CD..I agree that unless you have opted out, then on your demises, your organs could be legally "harvested"

There is an acute shortage of organs for transplant, kidneys being the commonest, but as liver damage due to alcoholism is the 5th commonest cause of death in the UK has brought livers into the picture.

[R1Geezer]

the current system is fine, the system of identifying donors needs changing though so that willing donors are more easily identified, one of the problems is finding the donor card, so what about having a small tattoo somewhere? eg a D under the big toe. Just a thought.

The problem with opt out systems is you end up with paramedics playing god in the backs of ambulances, there is also some doubt as to whether a person is actually dead before organs are removed. Too many potential abuses.

[Sqad]

R1Geezer

//The problem with opt out systems is you end up with paramedics playing god in the backs of ambulances, there is also some doubt as to whether a person is actually dead //

Exactly the same with the present system.........so how will opting out make the situation more dangerous?

[jake-the-peg]

These are rather typical scare stories you hear about donors - I can't recall ever seeing any evidence of treatment decisions being made based on donor needs - It always seems to be rumour. There are some pretty strict ethical rules surrounding it.

But even if we put that aside - if we had an opt out system donors would be much more plentiful and so there wouldn't be any pressure on doctors to make decisions like that anyway

[Sqad]

jake....exactly.

[R1Geezer]

"Exactly the same with the present system.........so how will opting out make the situation more dangerous? "
Yes and that's why people are not donors, I don't agree with forcing them to opt out.

[ethandron]

yep, the opt out system seems like common sense to me. i would imagine that anyone against it would change their mind if they or a loved one were in desperate need of a transplant and there wasn't one available under the current rules. isn't there a scandinavian country which already has the opt out system in place? wonder how they find it?
the opt out system doesn't force anyone to donate their organs does it, those who feel strongly against it just have to make a bit of an effort to make their wishes known.
should have a referendum about it.

[Panic Button]

If you have to be a registered donor to receive an organ, how long would you have to be on the list for to get an organ?

People would just sign up when they become ill.

[flip_flop]

Easily solved Panic Button - you have a moratorium.

[jake-the-peg]

Although under the circumstances I would suggest you find a different word to use flip_flop :c)

[karenmac60]

I think an opt out system is the way to go. Families are forced to make a tough decision at a very emotional time and I'm sure many people think allowing donation to go ahead is like giving up on a loved one who they hope can still pull through, no matter what the doctors say. My husband had to wait 10 years for a kidney and is eternally grateful to the family who gave their permission, but if the onus was taken off the next of kin and put onto those who don't want to donate then more lives would be saved or improved drastically. It is harder than ever to find a donor card now - they seem to want you to sign up online, but I think there are probably a lot of people out there who aren't against donation, they just haven't got around to it , don't know how to sign up or think it's a bit morbid to discuss with family.

[NoMercy]

You could have a point there. I daresay the majority of those who don't carry a donor are not unhappy at the prospect of their organs being used in the event of their untimely death - it's just that they haven't got round to getting a donor card. I'm not so sure that I would be happy to be a "live donor" but if I were to be a cadaveric donor, that would not bother me.

[marval]

I think there should be an opt-out system, too many people need transplants and can't have them. At the moment someone is willing to donate but, if their families say no then their organs cannot be used. They can have anything of mine, if they are all right, I would hate anyone else to make the decision for me. If apathy is the case then hopefully there will be more organs to transplant, and more lives will be saved.

[sara3]

my daughter signed up for the online donor register. I'm very proud of her. I've been on it for years.

I'm assuming that those of you who are able to give blood?

[sara3]

was that a "no" then?

[Sandy-Wroe]

I gave blood for a long time.
I've always wanted to go to university so I'm thinking of donating my mortal remains to medical science. I hope to have pride of place in the anatomy school some day.

[karenmac60]

I gave blood for years but I'm not allowed to anymore as I had a tranfusion after giving birth and I'm barred because of the CJD risk. I also tried to be a live donor to my husband, but after a year of tests he started to produce antibodies which would have caused him to reject my kidney.

[suzie1]

does giving blood count as a donor? i wanted to give blood, but i wasnt sure that they would have it as i have hypothyroidism....they wont have it will they?

[Marijn]

Why wouldn't they have blood from someone with an under-active thyroid?