Presumed consent

[cromwell]

Which in this case means that if you aren't on an "opt-out" list and happen to die, the Welsh government say that the NHS in Wales can see if there is any of your organs they can take for someone else's use. Your relatives won't be able to stop them.
I can see that the intention might be good, but if this ever comes into force for the whole of the UK my name is going on the "keep your blinking hands off, mate" list.
The reason being the arrogance of the assumption - "We want that bit, so we're having it". No. My body is not the property of the state, to do with as it wants.
Our politicians need no encouragement to assume ever greater powers over us, and frankly there are times they should be reminded that the state is supposed to be the servant of the citizens, and not their master; and this is one.

[KateLMead]

No Muslim will agree to this law

[debih]

I am the complete opposite. I have carried a donor card since I was very young (my parents had to countersign the back of it) and the number of people who have commented to me that they really must get round to getting a card/registering on the donor register is amazing. People just don't get round to it unless they feel very strongly about it.

If the law is changed then those like you Cromwell, who feel very strongly that they don't want to donate their organs, will get around to registering but those who don't feel strongly one way or the other don't have to do anything.

The wait for suitable organ donors is shocking and makes such a huge difference to people's lives.

I feel very strongly that my organs are used - once I'm dead I'm dead and they are of no use to me. I do understand that other people feel differently though and it will, I assume, be just as easy to opt out of organ donation as it is to opt in.

I don't see it as the state laying claim to my body - I see it as a very sensible option to a massive problem.

I'm really pleased that the bill has been passed in Wales and really hope that it happens here. It isn't like it is being made a legal requirement that you HAVE to donate your organs.

[Kaz]

I agree absolutely word for word with Debih - that is exactly how I feel about it. So many people, many of them very young, are dying for want of an organ while perfectly good organs are going to waste, it is heartbreaking! Such a waste when it could transform the lives of so many people.

I have carried a multi-organ donor card and been on the register for many years, so they can use any part of me that is still usable - it's of no use to me once I'm gone.....

[cromwell]

Anyone who wants to carry an organ donor card is welcome to do so. To just start using parts from a dead body regardless of the families wishes, or the wishes of the deceased, is utterly wrong.

[cromwell]

I'm really pleased that the bill has been passed in Wales and really hope that it happens here. It isn't like it is being made a legal requirement that you HAVE to donate your organs.

Not yet.

[Workingman]

I am against the principle of people being forced to opt out, but when I look at the numbers the reality is that very few of us are likely to have organs taken away. The numbers dying far outstrips those on the organ donor waiting list.

I do, however, have a concern that in the future transplants will be carried out simply because the organs are available. That would be morally and financially wrong. A close watch will have to be kept on what happens in Wales. Another thing that worries me is the setting up of organ banks so that there is always one 'off-the-shelf' when needed.

[TheOstrich]

Anyone who wants to carry an organ donor card is welcome to do so. To just start using parts from a dead body regardless of the families wishes, or the wishes of the deceased, is utterly wrong.

With Cromwell on this, and totally against today's pseudo Burke and Hare movement. In fact, I probably go further than my fellow poster .....

I've carried a card in my wallet since at least 2007 advising that's it's my express wish that I do not want to receive or donate organs, and I'll sue anyone who disobeys that directive.

How long before we have a legal market in transplantable organs? Look what already happens in third world countries where poor people sell body parts .... Look at the case of that West Midland schoolgirl who died in India and whose body was repatriated without organs, so the UK coroner couldn't even carry out an autopsy.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/ ... claim.html

Couldn't happen here? Wanna bet?
.........

EDIT: Mrs O carries a donor card - are we seeing a split on gender lines on this issue?

[Kaz]

Perhaps there is a gender split, maybe in general women are more concerned for the greater good, and are appalled by the number of people who die on waiting lists -especially where young people are concerned?

Ossie I am quite sure that you would honour Mrs O's wishes if - heaven forbid - the situation arose, so I am interested to know just why you, Cromwell, are assuming that organs would be used against the wishes of the deceased? After all far more people are for donor cards than against, but as Debih pointed out just don't bother to get around to it...............I would imagine that people as opposed to the idea as yourself would most definitely bother to carry the opt out card...................

[debih]

I think it could be a gender thing Kaz.

Whilst I understand that some people don't want to donate I can never get my head around why! Once you are dead you are dead - even if you are religious it becomes all about the soul rather than the body.

I'm not saying its wrong to not want to donate, just that I don't understand why not.