Some time ago a close friend had a serious accident and was on a life support machine. His wife was asked if they could use his organs. She pleaded for him NOT to be taken off the life support unless someone else needed the machine.During the next 36 hours he stared to breathe on his own BUT we were told 36 hours is the norm not 3 days. I'm opting OUT
2007-07-17 06:11:46 · 16 answers · asked by nanny chris w 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
to 13ubbathedog- that's the point -if he had an organ donation card on him - he wouldn't be here to tell the tale!!
2007-07-17 06:38:57 · update #1
I hope that compulsory organ donation does NOT become the law/norm. It is totally unacceptable to me. I do not want to receive an organ from anyone, nor do I want one taken from me. Why should I have to opt out. If 80% (news tonight) want to donate, then why don't they opt in? Apparently only 20% have opted in. Maybe in public that 'missing' 60% want to donate to look good, but in private actually don't want to.
2007-07-17 06:50:44 · answer #1 · answered by Vagabonda 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess your story must have happened in another country other than USA. That doesn't happen here unless the patient is pronounced brain dead and the survivor chooses to have the organs donated, or the patient has signed an organ donor card.
However, in response to the likelihood of forced organ donation, I don't see it happening. Its bad enough that some people are killed to get their organs and the thieves make a fortune off the organs.
Sad situation indeed. Anyway, I am an organ donor because if I can help one person or more to live a healthy life by using organs I no longer need, then I will have done something worthwhile.
Good question. Amazing account.
2007-07-17 19:34:11 · answer #2 · answered by makeitright 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What? The amount of time someone spends on a respirator is up to the doctors and the family of the person injured (in absence of a living will or some other written request by the injured person). If a person is an organ donor or not has NO BEARING on life support and the decisions made regarding it.
I signed my donor card and I take pride in the fact that if I were to die my organs may save another person's life. You should too. Should it be mandatory? No, each individual should make the choice for themselves, but I strongly support anyone who would donate their organs. I would encourage anyone to do the same.
2007-07-17 13:19:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
There will never be such a system. We are all entitled to dictate how we wish our remains to be left, whether intact, or to donate.
The reason why doctors have this conversation with a person who is the next of kin of a critical patient is because things can go wrong very quickly. And in the instance that the patients were to go into cardiac arrest, or loose brain activity there is a short window in which their organs can be used. Consent is always asked for prior, or is included as part of a living will.
Whether or not to maintain life support is a separate issue.
2007-07-17 13:16:54 · answer #4 · answered by smedrik 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'll definately opt out. A friend in the business has said she would never allow her organs for transplant, as she is frightened the medics would put the person who needs the transplant first, and would not give her a chance to see if she would recover. There is more kudos for transplantation. My other reason is, I heard a while ago that they give the donor anasthaesia "in case" they can feel pain. Sorry, but if I can feel pain - I am still alive!
2007-07-17 13:25:49 · answer #5 · answered by olliedog 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The proposition is that it will be an opt out (rather than the current opt in) system, not that it will be compulsory. You can choose not to have your organs etc harvested after your death, or, if you don't express your wishes, they may be used without your family being consulted. You still have the choice, but it will enable more people to be helped in this way.
2007-07-17 13:22:21 · answer #6 · answered by The Guru 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
that is pretty rare i would think. hospitals use their expertise & knowledge..they dont take organs if they think you can survive...and survive without brain damage more importantly.
its a personal choice of course...but i am certainly leaving my organs to help those that need them for quality of life. i know we all have different opinions though...so i am happy for people to opt in..or opt out.
2007-07-17 13:49:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I can only speak for myself when I say that once I die, I'm not going to NEED them (organs) any more... so why NOT?
Although the idea of making it "COMPULSORY" would be pretty much zero, sorry to say.
Thanks to religion and various societal paranoia, sadly thousands of people are going to die for lack of a transplant, and thousands of PERFECTLY GOOD lifesaving organs are going to be buried in the ground to go to rot.
THAT is what *I* think is wrong.
2007-07-17 13:22:40 · answer #8 · answered by Harleigh 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in my opinion if you opt out then you should be banned from getting donor organs becouse if you dont want to give you should not recieve fair is fair.
i believe it is a better system than we have now .
2007-07-17 13:24:19 · answer #9 · answered by mowhokman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sure wouldn't trust anyone in the medical profession not to off me if they could sell my organs.
2007-07-17 13:17:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋