Organ Donation

[Sentinel]

We have discussed this in the past, but it was a while ago and I don't want to necro an old thread. So I started a new one, and an OI version to get more opinions, on the top of that. What is your position on organ donation, and what should society do to get more to donate their organs after death?

I still think the best option, which I believe I first saw posted by someone else here, is to have an opt-out register. I'd like to know if this has been tried somewhere, and if many would support it if it was in their country? What else do you think, related this subject?

Everyone over the age of 18 would be part of it by default, those younger would have access to it (also by default) and also be placed first in line for organs. Once one turns 18 one could leave it and could then not be required to donate their organs upon death, but that would also mean that one would not have access to reserve organs when needed either.

This system would be brilliant because without it most people do not announce that they agree to donating their organs due to either ignorance or laziness -- while at the same time there is an acute need for organs, and transplantation skills are improving. Above all, I think an opt-out register would be the rational choice -- only a minority of irrational persons would exclude themselves.

[Red Poplar]

I agree, organ donation should be universal, you have the ability to opt-out if you want, but in that case you won't have access to reserve organs if you need them. Seems fair enough.

[Demogorgon]

That is more or less the system I support. There has been talk of switching to it in Britain for years and the previous Government occasionally talked about it, but as of yet it has not happened.