Odessa

New York is considering an "opt-out" versus and "opt-in" approach to organ donation. In other words, we'll assume you're OK with donating your organs when you die unless you tell us otherwise. This bothers some people. (All-Gone, Or-Gan) Other people object for religious reasons. Most of us expect to be able to be on a list to get an organ if we need one. In this scenario, New York's "opt-out" proposal is reasonable. Why should anyone expect to get something that they would begrudge another when they die?

The reality is, the lists of people waiting for organs is long, and longer than some will survive. In Singapore, where they have an "opt-out" policy, waiting lists are short. If saving lives is important, our system of organ donation is broken. It shouldn't be the doctor's job to ask grieving family members if they want to donate the organs of the recently deceased.

What should we do? I think, every one should be asked the question "Do you want to donate your organs when you die?". Perfectly reasonable question. The answer should be made perfectly clear and an "I don't know" should be considered unacceptable. I know that no one wants to think about it, but death is a fact of life. The answer should be on everyone's drivers license or ID card - a yes or a no. Any qualifiers (such as exclusions, etc.) could be added at the individuals request. It would certainly cut down on the family wondering what the dearly departed would have wanted.

I also thought, those choices should come with consequences. While doing some digging, I found some information that some Orthodox Jews considered it a desecration of the body to have organs removed after death; however they had no similar reservations about receiving organs. (To be fair, there are Orthodox Jews that endorsed organ donation as the highest form of charity). I consider taking without considering giving a bit hypocritical. I didn't think it very fair. I pondered how that could be managed.

I propose that along with asking the question "Do you want to donate your organs when you die? Yes or No", that someone who answered "Yes" would get priority over someone who answered "No" when handing out a transplant. I mean, shouldn't someone willing to put their money (or kidney or liver or heart) where their mouth is, be given a higher priority over someone who will not pass on the gift of life?

To make it simple - If you want to take your organs to the grave, don't expect anyone to give one to you if you get sick. If you expect to be considered for a transplant, make an effort to sign up for donation and/or make your family aware of your wishes to donate.

I can't answer any of these questions for anyone else. I know some might say "Fuck you, it's my body" and I agree it is. Hopefully I or no one reading this will never be in the position to need an organ. However, I do know that I want what ever is usable to go on without me and help someone in need. I consider it only fair since I would hope I can get get an organ if I ever need it.