By kebmo [Ignore] 03,Apr,19 00:46 Pageviews: 118
 A lot of European countries have something called "Presumed Consent" regarding organ donation.
The province of Nova Scotia in Canada is going to pass such a regulation there and it would be the first jurisdiction in North America to do so. The rules: If you choose NOT to donate your organs you can opt out in the opposite way that people currently opt in. It DOES NOT apply to people under the age of 19 and people unable to make that decision by themselves. When you die it will be presumed that you are an organ donor. I don't know what organs this covers because your skin is also an organ. I think this is a great idea. Thousands of people are in hospitals with life threatening illnesses waiting for organs to become available. The new regulations won't happen for 12-18 months so that the public can be educated and choose to opt out if they want. Just to clarify, you can choose NOT to donate your organs but you have to do something about it and it is not applicable to people under the age of 19. This is a link to the story on CBC News: only registered users can see external links What do you think? |
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The problems are with certain religious groups, and with the situations in which the person him/herself is unable to decide and the decision falls to the family. In the Netherlands we have had several discussions about the issue over the years. Unfortunately, last time the debate became tainted with considerations about 'big government' that lays claims to people's bodies. To be against the presumed consent became an act of asserting liberty. No sick people waiting for donor organs were of course helped by this.
There will be an 12-18 month "public education" period before this comes into effect. Hopefully any concerns will be addressed. It will also allow those that wish to to opt out.
I want to reiterate that anyone can opt out but they have to actually do it and no one under the age of 19 will be involved in this program. If you're under the age of 19, parental consent will be required.
Post-death organ donation is one of those many things that is currently considered a 'wonderful' thing to do, but in my view must only take place when a person has voluntarily given their consent. Consent can only be given while alive obviously.
A policy of consent by default is simply wrong. Just like assuming consent by default for sex, or assuming consent by default for euthanasia for people who are asleep or ill.
No one should have to go to the trouble of finding out how to take the steps needed to prevent the state from taking their remains, or any part of their remains, or their property, or their children, or their reputation, or anything else, to do with as it wishes when they die.
This is the ultimate disrespect for people.Lord knows the state is far too involved in directing and controlling our lives while we are alive.
If one believes that organ transplants are that important, then it is their responsibility to convince people to sign consent while they are alive and capable.
This is the full story from CBC News.
only registered users can see external links
On a side note, one hundred years ago, I thought that it was odd that the state would ask about organ donation but after some thought, it just goes to show you that Big Brother not only is watching you, he's keeping a comprehensive file on you, too!
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