My husband and I recently moved and had to get new drivers licenses...the lady at the DMV put organ donor on my husbands license and he ISNT an organ donor, he didnt even check the box, duhhhh lady!! Anyway, so im all hyped up about this now because as rewarding as it would be to help someone in need, im just a little questionable about the whole idea, specially knowing some aweful stories about people taking peoples organs. My question is this...if something EVER happened to my husband would they automatically take his organs or would they consult me as his wife or someone from the family first?? I wouldnt want them to take his organs since it was a mistake putting it on his license and he isnt really an organ donor. If i said no, would they respect that? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
2007-03-11 14:16:55 · 9 answers · asked by emg2528 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
To my way of thinking being an organ donor is a way to salvage something good out of something bad.
As for questionable stories, ignore them, they are to a one completely false. Organ donation ONLY happens after someone is dead. And at that point they really don't need the organ any more anyway. The doctors will always ask the family before they do anything the card is simply for the person to state their opinion while they are alive.
2007-03-11 16:38:28 · answer #1 · answered by Signed 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the state where you live. If there is a registry connected to the DMV, then the decision is legally binding. Even so, you always have the option to change your mind (or in your case, to correct the mistake).
If there is no registry, then the sticker or donor card only shows intent to donate, but the final decision is left up to the family members who make end-of-life decisions for the patient.
You should find out the organ recovery agency (OPO) that facilitates donation in your region and ask whether there is a registry, and if there is, to be removed from it.
The stories you have heard about people taking organs illegally were just that - illegal. Unscrupulous people who do that don't care wether a person was or wasn't a registered donor - they are just criminals, and have nothing to do with legal organ donation.
(By the way, the chances of your husband being eligible to donate are very slim, as only 1% of the population actually dies in such a way that they can donate. )
2007-03-12 10:58:21 · answer #2 · answered by keengrrl76 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Monty Python 'can we have your liver' sketch is completely fictitious.
Family and next of kin will be consulted and have final say. The little tick in the little box is just a way of the deceased communicating his wishes clearly and consicely to the bereaved and the hospital.
I carry an organ donor card with me at all times, and would be ashamed not to.
Your opinion comes accross as antisocial and selfish, he will have no further use for his body when he is dead, may he save someone else's life as a final goodbye to the living.
2007-03-12 00:14:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Though the family is generally consulted, if they cannot get ahold of you to verify, since he has is on his license, it is a legal, binding contract with the state and technically they have to follow his "wishes", that , according to the Center for Organ Recovery, cannot be overruled by family. If he were to die and they couldn't contact you, they can and will harvest his organs if it is on his license. Since it was a mistake, I suggest you head right back to the DMV and make them give him a new license without the donor designation.
www.core.org
Can my family override my decision regarding donation?
No. Though CORE will talk with the family before proceeding with a recovery, a donor designation or signed donor card in CORE 's region are legally binding for people 18 and older. The family cannot override the decision. If someone is under 18 or in the absence of a donor designation or signed donor card, the family will make the decision regarding donation.
2007-03-12 05:50:53 · answer #4 · answered by Reagan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I'm an organ donor and you should receive a card in the mail asking you if this is what you really want. You need to registered with the local organ bank. They would probably ask you if they saw his license. When you get the card in the mail just send it back saying this is not what you wanted
2007-03-11 14:20:49 · answer #5 · answered by Nagitar™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Relax. Doctors have to ask the family first, no matter what the licence says. And they only harvest organs if he is already dead - not just if they "think" he may die. Although why you wouldn't want to have part of him live on, helping someone else, is beyond me.
2007-03-11 14:52:30 · answer #6 · answered by Me 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's 'supposed' to have been his decision. I don't think you'd have a say. So you'd better get on the phone first thing tomorrow morning and talk to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. I can't believe that clerk was so stupid.
2007-03-11 14:33:18 · answer #7 · answered by Bud's Girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They would take them, but first they would need to consult you to double check.
2007-03-11 14:20:00 · answer #8 · answered by Phlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
perhaps going to the secretary of state and having it changed?
2007-03-11 14:20:10 · answer #9 · answered by hello_goodbye 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋