Should donating organs by compulsory?

[Rhisiart]

Heaven forbid that anyone of us were to meet an timely death. But if the worst was to happen, our organs may allow others with terminal disease to live longer.

I am talking about presumed consent here (doctors will automatically remove your organs in the event of death, unless you carry a card to say you don't want this).

In the UK, this is becoming a big issue as transplant organs are rare. The British opt in system, i.e. carrying a donor card to say you want to donate your organs, doesn't seem to be working.

I understand in some countries they have have an opt out system, i.e. carrying a donor card to say you do not want to donate your organs, which makes far more organs available.

Any thoughts my fellow macaficionados?

[minckster]

Originally Posted by rhisiart

In the UK, this is becoming a big issue as transplant organs are rare. The British opt in system, i.e. carrying a donor card to say you want to donate your organs, doesn't seem to be working.

Letting people sell their organs, as part of a bequeath, would probably solve this problem.

[bbloke]

I'd say organ donation should not be compulsory. While it is great when people choose to donate organs, there will be those who object (on the grounds of religion or other beliefs, for instance). Those people should not be compelled, against their beliefs, in my view.

In more general terms, and at risk of digressing somewhat, I suppose one could draw parallels with charity. Should one be compelled to donate to charity? If so, how would the charities be selected, how much should be donated, etc.? I think it is best to let people make acts of kindness, rather than try to force them, under which circumstances, it is no longer an act of kindness but a demand from the State (and people might become more reluctant to be charitable).

[Giaguara]

Italy was at some point trying to make a law to make everyone by default an organ donor if they didn't opt out .. at least it was in the media some years ago.

I think it should be voluntary.

For the cost of one kidney / liver / heart etc transplant, hundreds of people who otherwise are starving to death, could be kept alive...

[icemanjc]

I never really thought of it, I really wouldn't want to give my organs.

[Ferdinand]

Originally Posted by icemanjc

I never really thought of it, I really wouldn't want to give my organs.

That's also how I see this.

[Mikuro]

Part of me thinks that yes, it's only sensible. Let people opt out if they want to, but why should it not be the norm?

But another part of me is so cynical and distrusting of the medical business that I think people with desirable organs would be made more likely to die in any number of unprovable ways if consent were implicit. Hospitals already treat people like pieces of meat. I hate to think what would happen if they generally had something to gain from their patients' deaths.

[bbloke]

Originally Posted by Mikuro

But another part of me is so cynical and distrusting of the medical business that I think people with desirable organs would be made more likely to die in any number of unprovable ways if consent were implicit. Hospitals already treat people like pieces of meat. I hate to think what would happen if they generally had something to gain from their patients' deaths.

Yes, I know what you mean. A friend of a friend, who works in the medical profession, said he had the same concerns...