Are you an Organ Donor?

[Fz6Sa]

No I'm saying that I would sooner my organs went to the 18 year old, instead of someone who could pay to queue jump, but I can't make that decision, I can't write up 'no one may pay for my organs and queue jump' as a condition of being a donor. Nor should I have to, or even think that I have to.

Therefore what they are doing is wrong. If they want more donors, then make it a level playing field. That way I won't have to even think about it.

I agree with you on that point, - but I still find it hard to accept it as a reason for NOT signing up ......

 

[Raid The Revenge]

I haven't arranged myself to be an organ donor for several reasons:

1) Bad kidneys and eyes. Natural causes. I don't want people to "accidentally" get them.

2) Upper class citizens are more eligible for organs; not the deserving.

3) I don't believe in becoming a donor, simply because I live a risky lifestyle that I don't want.

"Ohh! You ride a motorcycle? You should be a donor!!!"

"Uhh...yeah....I wish I could get a car, but they're so expensive. I cannot afford a car while at the University. The insurance would take away an entire session."

"But if you crash and die, your organs would be useless to you!!"

---> My point is, DON'T become an organ donor JUST because you ride a motorcycle. Do it because you WANT to do it.

 

[AJ_rider]

Yup, been an Organ donor since I got my driver's license at 16.

 

[keira]

from the sounds of people's responses, there's some shady business happening in the UK. I'm pretty sure most countries have strict standards regarding organ donation, and I like the think the US is one of those....

 

[FZyLarry]

I'm a blood donor 4 or 5 times a year and the dot on my licenses says donate what works if bad things happen to me. By the way, you get more "professional" service if you go to the blood bank vs. a mobile unit (my 2¢)

I'm not a doctor or any way knowledgeable in the medical or donor process here but I really don't think we have some of the issues people mentioned. My understanding is that the receiver list is based on need, physical condition and a few other criteria. I'm sure the rich folks can buy their way up the chain but I don't hear much talk like that happens often here in the US.

Just one note to the OP, you left a lot of personal info exposed on your drivers license. Call me paranoid but I don't share birth date or any other info about myself, especially on Al Gore's internet.

 

[Norm]

Just one note to the OP, you left a lot of personal info exposed on your drivers license. Call me paranoid but I don't share birth date or any other info about myself, especially on Al Gore's internet.

Thanks but it's not anything you couldn't get off the internet anyway, at least for the docs in the great Commonwealth of Maassachusetts.

 

[AJ Babaganoosh]

I know this is a little dramatic but here is a Christmas 08 picture of my nephews, Spencer (age 7), Graham (age 4) and their father (my brother-in-law) Perry (age 40). This Christmas was possible and those kids still have a father because someone decided to donate his heart to Perry in January 08. I am a doctor and not often impressed by medical scenarios of any kind, but this was an amazing experience that left a lasting impression on me and not just because he was a relative. I could write pages on the whole thing but I won't. I will just comment on 2 things. First, in the US, there is no preference given to the well-to-do. I was with Perry in the ICU off and on for months before he got his heart and saw many less fortunate than him get hearts first. There is a complex and extensive process, involving physical and psychological evaluations that determines who is most in need and who is most likely to take care of the organ, that determines who gets it. Social status does not enter into the equation. Second, signing a driver's license is not enough. You need to let your next of kin and closest family know of your wishes. I work in the ER and I can tell you it is the family who makes the final decisions on organ donation and their wishes override the driver's license, which is almost never examined by either the family or medical personnel. I've worked the ER for 12+ years and have never seen the driver's license come into play. If you are serious about donation, tell your family to actively insist that you be a donor if eligible. Unfortunately, medical personnel will often not even bring up the issue because it is uncomfortable for them in such a tragic situation.

 

[Numpty]

No.. but I am on the bone marrow register and give blood three times a year.