Britain's proposed organ donation opt-out plan

[Wilson]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article2093608.ece

I think it's a great idea, personally. I realise that organ donation goes against certain religious beliefs, but I think that most people that don't register as donors do it only out of ignorance or laziness. That's just my opinion... I have no study to back that up ;).

[eaglesprings]

I had to think on this one for about 3 minutes. At first I thought it was a "no brainer," because I figure I'm not going to need any internal organs after I'm gone. But after a litttle (very little) thought, I decided it is a bad idea with good intentions.

If people are lazy about filling out organ donation forms, they are going to be lazy about filling out "opt out" forms. Without something in writing, their family is always going to wonder, "Did the docs really do all they could to save our loved one?" And, here in America, how many of us really appreciate the Government making such decisions! (Uh, we don't!)

I just don't want the government making decisions for me. Death can "happen" at any moment, completely unexpected. It is not the Government's place to decide. It is my family's place, you know, the people who might, maybe, miss me? The people who honest to God know my wishes, in spite of whether I took time to fill out a form? A form that might get "lost" in paperwork to begin with?

I remember reading a story about a man who lost his daughter, completely unexpected, and "the rep" came to talk to him about organ donation. He agreed to everything, except her heart. Sure, someone could have used that heart, but this is a grieving man! He should be able to say "yea or ney!" It was his daughter!

We don't belong to the government! In theory, we "are" the Government! Our souls and spirits don't belong to the Government, and neither do our bodies!

Ya'll don't want this! Even under the guise of good intentions!

[Wilson]

I think that the benefits to enrolling everyone in the donation program (yet still giving them the opportunity to decline) outweigh the potential mistakes. Technology is constantly improving and you have to consider that the same mistakes are happening in the program as it stands. How many people die without their wishes to be donors known? I'm sure it happens and I can't imagine it happening any more or less the other way around.

[eaglesprings]

I agree, Wilson, which is why it took me a whole three minutes to decide I think it is a bad idea.

We aren't a farm crop. At least, not to our families. We're just a number to our government. Heck, most of us are "just a number" to our "family physicians." Government is constantly passing laws based on "what is right for everyone" without ever thinking about individual circumstances. (Private venues do this, too, but that is another subject).

I'm a huge supporter of organ donation. I just don't think this is the answer. I want my family to make the decisions, not bureaucrats.

I'm also a little suspicious about how much care might be given to a patient if "automatic donor" was the rule of the land. As it is now, they can't assume my child, my husband, or me is an organ donor, if a family member isn't there to say, "yes." Mandated organ donation by the Government lets them assume that they know the wishes of my family. That is government interference at its very worst!

As usual, I don't know the right answer. I wouldn't want a child of mine to die because a donor organ wasn't available. Under the same token, I don't want someone else's child denied healthcare. (Those tables can be turned way too easily!)

[Wilson]

You've got a lot of great points and have definitely given me something to think about; I just disagree :p.

[eaglesprings]

How dare you disagree! ROTFL!

Hey, it isn't a bad idea, in fact, it is a great idea!, until you think how it can be abused! Especially here. In Britain, they have a national health care plan. Here, it is private, and I can just see private companies saving a buck, making a buck, etc., by harvesting organs from the unsuspecting and unprepared. (Oops! Forgot to mail them their opt out form! Oh, well!)

Of course, our government could do that, too.

[Wilson]

Organs cost a fortune, though. I can see the potential for abuse, but I think that insurance companies are the biggest abusers of the system that is in place here. I realize that humans don't owe their organs to anyone, but I don't really think we have the right to keep them, either.

[eaglesprings]

I agree: insurance companies are by far the worst abusers of our system.

And, that is probably the main reason I don't like a government mandated program of making everyone organ donors unless they opt out. The potential for abuse, I think, will be greater under those circumstances. We could find a system where we'd have to opt out through our insurance company, or a government sponsored plan, and who knows if that will ever even get on the books! It sets the stage for insurance companies to actually make a profit off of organ donation, if "they hold their tongues" right, cook the books just right, etc.....

I do agree it is a good idea. I just don't trust it. Color me suspicious and pass me my tin foil hat! LOL!

[FamilyGal]

When I first read your title, I was thinking "Brittany" as in Spears and thought who the hell wants her organs? LOL

[eaglesprings]

Hmmmm......I wouldn't want her liver!

[baby duck]

I tend to agree with eagle on this one.

I've made it clear to those that will have the decision that I do want to donate, but I haven't checked the little box on the driver's license. I just don't trust people much, and have read too many horror stories.

I'm not sure there is much of me that anyone would want, either.