Donor Cards - Opt out?

Salu · 13-12-2005, 16:02

Going on from this thread. (I have searched for this but found nothing......)

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...150#post648150

How do you feel about donor cards? More importantly how would you feel if you were automatically opted into the scheme and then had to opt out if you felt opposed?

A lot of organs are wasted every day against a long list of demand (something like 8000 on the list and only 3000 carried out each year) because we simply do not know what the person's wishes would have been. Presently you have to voluntarily opt "in" to the scheme. It's often one of those things that many people "intend" to do but never quite get round to it.

It's a very difficult thing to ask someone's relative minutes after they have lost a loved one. I'm not suggesting that we do this to give doctors an easier life but it makes the whole process a whole lot smoother and a little less painful.

Please vote and give reasons below.

Btw....

If you've not signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, you can do so by calling the NHS Organ Donor Line: 0845 60 60 400
Lines open: 07:00-23:00 (closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

13-12-2005, 16:07

I am in favour of having to opt out, rather than opt in

- one way to opt in is to sign up with the NHS register

- more in the link

http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/h...me_a_donor.jsp

Nugget · 13-12-2005, 16:09

I have to say that I've voted 'No' to being automatically opted in. Even though I'm quite happy for any of my organs to be donated after my death, I much prefer the idea of having the choice to say so, rather than having to tell people that I don't wish it.

Basically, if you have to 'opt out' of donating organs, who's to say that this wouldn't have a negative impact in your own healthcare? I'm sure it wouldn't happen, but what if it came down to doctors having to make a choice between someone who will donate organs and someone who won't? What if they decide that the person who hasn't opted out is more deserving? I know it's unlikely to happen like that, but it's connatations of actively saying 'I don't want to donate my organs'.

As I said, it's slightly academic because I'm happy for any of my organs to go to a deserving cause, but I just don't agree with the concept of 'you're on the register unless you tell us to remove you'.

Aragorn · 13-12-2005, 16:23

As long as I'm dead first, no problem someone else having my bits and bobs

We keep hearing that too many organs are wasted because peoples wishes aren't known.
What reasons do people give for not wanting to donate - belief in an after life, religious?

Nugget · 13-12-2005, 16:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

As long as I'm dead first, no problem someone else having my bits and bobs

We keep hearing that too many organs are wasted because peoples wishes aren't known.
What reasons do people give for not wanting to donate - belief in an after life, religious?

TBH, I don't feel that people should have to give a reason if they don't want to donate organs - it is all down to a personal choice. Let's face it, I'd be surprised if anyone was asked for a reason as to why they did want to donate.

It is unfortunate that so many organs are wasted but, as I said above, I don't believe that you should automatically assume that everyone wishes to donate - whatever the reason, it should always come down to the choice of doing something, not the choice of saying you don't want to.

Salu · 13-12-2005, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

As long as I'm dead first, no problem someone else having my bits and bobs

We keep hearing that too many organs are wasted because peoples wishes aren't known.
What reasons do people give for not wanting to donate - belief in an after life, religious?

People have rarely said no to me for religious reasons. Most of the time it's because they cannot bear the thought of anyone "cutting up" their loved ones and I understand that. Most people do not understand the demand for the organs or even really the need. It just feels barbaric and the last thing that they want to discuss. The tragedy is that you have to move quickly and are compelled to do so. You always feel like you are being insensitive though....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget

I have to say that I've voted 'No' to being automatically opted in. Even though I'm quite happy for any of my organs to be donated after my death, I much prefer the idea of having the choice to say so, rather than having to tell people that I don't wish it.

Basically, if you have to 'opt out' of donating organs, who's to say that this wouldn't have a negative impact in your own healthcare? I'm sure it wouldn't happen, but what if it came down to doctors having to make a choice between someone who will donate organs and someone who won't? What if they decide that the person who hasn't opted out is more deserving? I know it's unlikely to happen like that, but it's connatations of actively saying 'I don't want to donate my organs'.

As I said, it's slightly academic because I'm happy for any of my organs to go to a deserving cause, but I just don't agree with the concept of 'you're on the register unless you tell us to remove you'.

I respect your viewpoint Nugget but have you actually "got round" to putting yourself on the register? If we all "got round" to it then there wouldn't need to be a suggestion of opting everybody in. This has arisen out of necessity and not of some twisted desire to remove people's choice as I'm sure you appreciate.

Just food for thought....

---------- Post added at 16:48 ---------- Previous post was at 16:43 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget

TBH, I don't feel that people should have to give a reason if they don't want to donate organs - it is all down to a personal choice. Let's face it, I'd be surprised if anyone was asked for a reason as to why they did want to donate.

It is unfortunate that so many organs are wasted but, as I said above, I don't believe that you should automatically assume that everyone wishes to donate - whatever the reason, it should always come down to the choice of doing something, not the choice of saying you don't want to.

Just to clarify. People aren't compelled to give a reason why they don't want to donate organs. The problem is that when we need to ask them they are dead.

Btw nugget; would you still be as adamant if you required a heart transplant and I'd just told you that you had no more than a year to live? Nasty question, I know but one that is faced by many people every day....

Nugget · 13-12-2005, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salu

I respect your viewpoint Nugget but have you actually "got round" to putting yourself on the register? If we all "got round" to it then there wouldn't need to be a suggestion of opting everybody in. This has arisen out of necessity and not of some twisted desire to remove people's choice as I'm sure you appreciate.

Just food for thought....

As it happens, I registered about 2 years ago (and, prior to that, I carried a donor card as well)

. As I say, I've voted no because, in my opinion, people should be given the choice to say yes, rather than have to say no.

As you say, I do appreciate why this has come about; it's just that I don't particularly agree with doing it this way. Believe me, if they could come up with a system whereby all everybodys needs were served, I'd be as happy as the next man - unfortunately, I can't see a workable way of doing it

Salu · 13-12-2005, 16:58

I think this IS a workable way. OK; it means that the onus is on you to opt out but this only a small amount of dignity lost. The benefits are massive to everyone. Maybe even you one day?

Nugget · 13-12-2005, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salu

I think this IS a workable way. OK; it means that the onus is on you to opt out but this only a small amount of dignity lost. The benefits are massive to everyone. Maybe even you one day?

But the benefits of the present system are massive - what happens if even more people opt out of being donors?

As I've said, I agree with people agreeing to be donors - I just don't agree with people having to say that they don't want to be

Salu · 13-12-2005, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget

But the benefits of the present system are massive - what happens if even more people opt out of being donors?

As I've said, I agree with people agreeing to be donors - I just don't agree with people having to say that they don't want to be

I don't see why having an auto opt in would encourage existing people to opt out? Most people aren't in currently. After this initative most would be in....at least initially.

Graham · 13-12-2005, 17:49

There was a discussion about this some time ago and my vote was for no automatic opt in and is the same now.

Salu · 13-12-2005, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

There was a discussion about this some time ago and my vote was for no automatic opt in and is the same now.

I think we probably could have voted for you....

cookie_365 · 13-12-2005, 20:52

Perhaps we should keep it as an opt-in, but only make organ donations available to people who carry donor cards themselves.

marky · 13-12-2005, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by cookie_365

Perhaps we should keep it as an opt-in, but only make organ donations available to people who carry donor cards themselves.

Interesting point, I like it, that so works for me, its give and take.

But i still say no to the vote, Imagine the general election "If you dont vote your vote goes to the party thats in"
Bad move, and a lot of upset people.

13-12-2005, 22:01

The fact that for years organ donation was always an opt in, and we are short of organs means something quite significant.......now if only I c0uld remember what it was?

Oh yes, thats it, people DONT WANT TO DONATE.

There simple.

The problem with opting in automatically is that you are as easily likely to forget to opt out as you were to opt in previously. So it makes little sense and will lead to further heartbreak for families that maybe dont want to donate organs.