Do you think the UK should have have an opt out option for organ donation?

Question

Currently the UK runs an opt-in system, where people who want to become organ donors carry donor cards and tell their relatives of their wishes. The opt out system would mean that, when people died, their organs would be automatically considered for transplant unless the person had explicitly expressed otherwise? Is this a fairer system?

Answer 1

I think that this is the best idea. When a child is born then the parents should be told and it is up to them if they decide to take their child off the list then when they reach 16 they can have their own say. It would make more donars available to people. People just think of major organs that are needed but after seeing a program on the bbc about children who need cornea transplants so they can see it really got to me and i put my name down straight afer that.

Answer 2

I agree with an opt out system for organ donors but the wishes of the individual must be considered as so often the close relatives go against the wishes of their loved ones. The objections are based on the disfigurement aspect of the deceased. Quite silly really as in a few months, if buried, the body will look really disfigured and those previously useful organs will have rotted and are a total waste. If cremated then the waste is immediate.
The available organs would then reach such proportions that the waiting lists would or should become a thing of the past.
The question of age limits raised in another answer should not be considered as young people as young a 6 years old can have an opinion on this subject. At 11 years old children know exactly what they are about and their wishes should be respected.

Answer 3

The opt out option is a much better way for organ donation. France already do this and their waiting lists for organs are very short compared to ours.
The government should change to this method as alot of people don't put their names down for transplant because they just don't get round to it.

Answer 4

I think the Opt-in scheme is woeful, an Opt-out scheme is one of the better ways to ensure those who die have the chance to change the life of someone who needs it.

And to those who say that the NHS is in enough trouble, or that it gives people the upper hand, or that it is another way for people to be treated poorly; I say this. People have a responsibility for their own lives, if they do not wish to have their organs used then it is up to THEM to take their name off the register.

People requiring donation are more often than not in that position through no fault of their own. They are not always drunks requiring livers or smokers requiring lungs.

Answer 5

I think that an opt-out option would mean more lives are saved and that people who need a transplant would not have to wait for many months/years.

It is definately worth exploring in more detail.

But are there are legal/moral/cultural issues, for example Jehova Witnesses would need to opt out on religious grounds, are there any other similiar issues?

Answer 6

Without a doubt.Every week hundreds of people are buried,cremated or even put in cold storage,and thier vital organs with them.Surely cadavers should be utalised for the benefit of the community.No export of organs should be allowed

Answer 7

The government are thinking about bringing in a new law which means that direct families will not get a choice if the deceased carries a donor card. I think that is the fairer idea.

Answer 8

Yes,it's shocking how many people die unnecessarily,what's the point of letting life-saving organs rot or burn?It would help the next of kin to know that part of their loved-one is still alive.

Answer 9

I don't need my organs when I'm gone so may as well gave them to someone who can make use out of them.

Answer 10

No i don't think it's fairer..i think it's a clearer system the way it is now...The NHS make enough mistakes without further confusion. the Opt in system gives us the upper hand.