Organ Donation Opt Out

[XB9S]

This thread has got me thinking

https://allnurses.com/nursing-news/wales-seeks-organ-445429.html

There are so many great opinions and discussions in it I thought I'd start a poll, it would appear there are a few of the European countries that have considered organ donation opt out schemes with the aim of increasing available donor organs.

Wales could become the first part of the UK introduce an opt-out system of organ donation under plans by the assembly government.

It would mean that Welsh residents would be presumed to be organ donors unless they have joined an opt out register or immediate relatives object.

Other exclusions include if a person's identity or place of residence cannot be confirmed.

But there has been criticism of the plans by the Conservatives.

The move is aimed at boosting organs available for transplants.

The so called 'soft opt-out' system is similar to that already used in Belgium and Portugal, where organ donation rates are far higher than in the UK

with Wales being one of the most recent

So what are your thoughts, I have set up a poll,

Yes I think everyone should be considered a donor unless they specifically opt out

No your organ should only be donated if you have actually expressed the wish to be a donor

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8420678.stm

[Jahna]

I just had a patient come in DOA, this patient had years ago been a recipient of a kidney, well gift of life said they would take his bones, skin and corneas, I thought the family would be grateful since he was himself a recipient. OMG they were so offended and stated that no way was he going to go "through another surgery" to donate. So maybe instead of an opt out we could have an "if your going to take you have to give" policy.

Maybe it's just my warped sense of humor, but I found this hilarious on so many levels. Thx.

[Emergency RN]

Being selfish unto our graves is not the way I want to go out. IMHO, let 'em take whatever they can use...

...So maybe instead of an opt out we could have an "if your going to take you have to give" policy.

This idea is so far fetched. It may be contingent upon some insurance policy reduction, or whatever. In other words, the government may say that you get a tax break, free or low cost medical treatment, whatever... provided that you agree to be an organ donor upon your death.

[sweetyockris]

I believe a person's right should b respected even up till death.To make this easier,people who will want to donate their organs in the event of their death should carry along with them their I.D indicating that.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

I definitely want to donate it ALL.

It's on my medicalert bracelet and my driver's license, wish I had some stickers to put on everything I own, but I don't think I can afford that many. The reason I think we need the opt out is that it is forbidden by many orthodox religions, and people still have control over their own bodies no matter what belief system.

On that train of thought what do they do with my pacemaker, I know they can't usually be reused but do they return it to the cardiologist or what?

Honey, my pacer's titanium, worth thousands, so I'm willing it to my kids; it'll be all I have left after medical expenses.

I'm not for the opt-out idea because there are too many illiterate, irresponsible people out there who will not opt out and then try to sue when their loved ones' organs are donated.

[caffeineRx]

As much as I think everyone should be an organ donor, the fact remains that there are many who are not willing to be, and that should be respected. Given how many people (in the US, at least) forget to identify themselves as donors on their licenses, or forget to let their families know that they want to donate, I would be nervous setting up a system where it's assumed that someone is a donor unless it's specified otherwise.

I agree with CoffeeNurse. That would worry me. Also, a system like this is culturally insensitive and invasive IMHO.

[DroogieRN]

My visceral reaction to this is that it's my body to the bitter end, not belonging to some faceless entity who decides they'll "take" my organs upon my death. So many slippery slopes here. JMHO. I may donate everything down to my toenails, but it's my say-so, no one else's.

[SaraFL]

I am all for the opt-out system. My 37 year old husband died on a transplant list, so yeah, I think we need to do things to increase the number of transplants. So many families don't allow the deceased to be a donor because they never discussed it, or they don't know for sure, or whatever. Well, everyone over the age of 18 can make that choice for themselves and opt out if they don't want it. If the donor is under age 18 the parents can decide.

I don't see how it's culturally insensitive.

[martinwinn]

Hi everybody...

Before I say anything--I want to make it clear that I would be an organ donor. However, I disagree that it should be an "opt out" thing. I do not agree everyone should automatically be seen as such. The best route is to educate more and more about the importance of being an organ donor. Choice makes us human; good choices makes us humane. But...if we're just looking for spare parts, then we're nothing more than machines.

[Ruthiegal]

Geeze lets just take all choices away from the people. Who are you Big Brother?????? ack!

It is and should continue to be a personal and private decision. Not private after you choose to donate; but in the decision making process, we need to stay out of it. We have lost enough control over our choices already... don't add to that loss.

[icuconnie]

What would I want to use my organs for once I am dead? If someone can be saved - by all means!

[CampinRN]

The OPT OUT is the main alternative choice to doing nothing at all. With the increasing emphasis in NY state for the hot pink MOLSTs, awareness of pt's wishes re: organ donation is paramount. If you want to participate, it is still your choice as evidenced by signing your ID/Driver's license card. Until the OPT OUT becomes reality, I would like to see a bright green transplant form on the front of pt charts clearly stating their wishes. This could even be done at admission based on their card. The burden of deciding whether to participate is no longer an issue.

Once harvest and transplant is done, family members have expressed that they feel part of the circle of life. That giving something valuable gave their loved ones a purpose in death. What I don't understand is why a recipient's family members would be unwilling to be organ donors themselves. It's a take, take, take mentality.

[Silent Prayer]

No, you should not be a donor unless you specifically request to be. I don't think the government should have the power to take what isn't theirs, even with good intentions.

I do, however, wish more people would sign up to donate their organs after death. It's not like you're gonna need them.