Presumed consent.

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grufty jim G
grufty jim Mar 5, 2008 23:45:56
Replying to shanshee_allures

With regards to point (b) though; as I've written elsewhere, it is absolutely vital -- in my opinion -- that a person's loved ones feel in control of the body of the deceased. Denying them that control may potentially, in some circumstances, result in significant trauma (specifically in the case of those who are experiencing denial and have yet to work through it).

This is why I completely reject the idea that "maybe where we can we have to be encouraged to be hard and fast about it". Under a system of presumed consent, organ banks would see a massive increase in donations above and beyond current levels anyway. Other countries have demonstrated that very few people / families (percentage-wise) refuse to allow organs from a dead relative to be used. Most people see it as a way to salvage something from the death... the idea that hopefully someone else will get a new lease of life. But for those who don't feel that way; for one reason or another; it is completely inappropriate for a government or organisation to assert ownership of the body and usurp their control. To do so could cause lasting damage in my view.

S shanshee_allures
shanshee_allures Mar 6, 2008 11:30:29
Replying to grufty jim

grufty jim wrote:
But for those who don't feel that way; for one reason or another; it is completely inappropriate for a government or organisation to assert ownership of the body and usurp their control. To do so could cause lasting damage in my view.
Well it's hardly on the level of the 'government' taking a chunk of your dead mum's real estate. Nothing cynical going on, the tax man don't gain.

My dad's body was taken for autopsy, totally outhwith our control, but absoloutley necessary. Not a pleasant thing to have to think about. He died in a care home so I do believe it is regular practice to ensure nothing untoward has happened (and nothing had).

I would like to see us eventually reach a state where organ donation is considered and accepted as something as 'routine' although still difficult as this tbh.
EDIT: Always in instances where the donor had decided not to opt out of course. But as you say most families do not object, so it does look promising.

But for now small steps, always consent, always the safeguard of opt out. Perhaps though the sooner they get this one rolling, perhaps the sooner we'll feel emotionally safe enough to address our fears, whatever they may be.

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