Presumed Consent

I don't mind at all on ethical grounds. I don't care what happens to dead bodies - either my own or those of my loved ones. However I am still a bit concerned about how long it takes to really die and no longer be able to feel anything at all. I worry about the harvesting that is done immediately after death, especially when the body has been on life support machines. They say "he's brain dead he can't feel anything" but I am not confident we know enough about the nervous system yet. I would be much happier if anaesthetic was administered before the harvesting. By the time that's worn off they will definitely be braindead but currently I think they're a bit hasty, and there is evidence the brain cells continue to function for a few minutes after the heart stops.

annodomini
Because I have 5 children who might argue amongst themselves as to whether to allow or not and which organs should be allowed if any. I'm not having that.
I have no idea of their views or even whether they donate blood. Only two of mine know I'm a blood donor. It's none of their business and none of mine what their choices are.
I would prefer there to be no argument and no fuss about my body helping others if at all possible.

They already have this in Wales and my sister who lived there and collapsed with seizures last year was rushed to Cardiff and put in induced coma. Turned out she had a brain tumour but hadn't told anybody and had refused treatment.
When she was on life support I rang the hospital to ask about visiting, it's a three hour drive from me, the nurse told me that my sister was already in theatre with the transplant team ready for her life support to be turned off.
I was utterly devastated and didn't make the journey.
As it turned out my sister lived for three days unassisted and I don't know to this day if her organs were used. I just can't bring myself to ask her children.
But in answer to the question, no, consent should not be assumed.

Maybe, just publicising this will make people think about it? I wonder how many people would be willing to donate but never bothered to go on the register? As has been said, it is not compulsory: there is the opportunity to opt out.

I have opted to leave my body to medical science, which I assume means research, as I don't think any of my organs would be of much value for transplant, though I would be quite happy with that. When DH's cousin died suddenly at fifty-four 8 people benefited from his donations, which I think is an inspiring living memorial.
Very moving post, Mawbroon, I suffered from UC until I had my colon removed, but had never heard of your husband's condition, which sounds awful. So glad he was able to have more life with you and his family.

Sunseeker and others who think their organs cannot be used for transplants, I don't think mine can either, but I have registered and also told family and signed to say my brain and any other part can be used for research and training. Medical students need bodies to practise on and look at to learn.

Donor cards have been available for years. Why not just put extra effort energy and money into promoting them?
I'm not against organ donation at all paddyann it's the presumption that I'm uncomfortable with. What will it be next?

I don’t think people should have to carry cards in the negative paddyann.
I don’t think we should have to carry identity cards either.
It may make things harder for “authorities” but we should be free to wander with no ID and no cards if we choose.

I don't see what difference this is going to make. If someone isn't going to survive, next of kin are asked about giving consent for donation whether there's a donor card or not.

Relatives are still going to have to give consent even if it's presumed that the person in question gave consent by not declaring they didn't want to be a donor.

I am uncomfortable about this presumed consent, not because I don’t want to donate, but because it is a step towards the State ownership of our bodies. Given that we don’t legally own them ourselves, there’s something inherently wrong in this as a legal position.

Did you see the episode of "Hospital"on BBC recently, where a young woman was carrying fraternal twins. One twin was anencephalic and would die soon after birth. Her mode of coping was to research organ donations so that the death of her baby would not be in vain. Floods of tears from me as you may imagine, from the bravery and above all, geneorosity of this woman who was trying to help some grieving parent. Do find it if you can.
I haven't experienced it myself, but as many of you have said, if I'm dead, no member of the family, least of all me, will need any of these organs - giving sight, life, or whatever to someone is probably the most generous thing one could do, IMHO.
From a very early age my DCs [and DH] know that if possible I would like t donate my organs. the dr. knows too [I have to remind him!]

You can't leave your body to medical research AND the organ donation programme.
It's one or t'other.
That's from the horses mouth when I enquired in December.

I don't carry a card as I had a friend once who was a nurse & told me they 'did not try so hard' with patients who did.
I was horrified.
I have made it very clear to my family that if it comes to it they can have whatever of mine they want once it is sure I am not going to make it but not my eyes. I really don't know why but I can't bear the thought.

That's what I understood as well Smileless makes the whole question redundant really doesn't it.
I think like other people, if you are prepared to accept a donated organ then you should be willing to be a donor.

I can't be a donor as I have a chronic lifetime illness and for that reason I have had to turn in my donor card but if I was fit and well I would donate. And I also don't think it's right for next of kin to over rule your decision.

I lost my young son-in-law to a brain tumour 15 months ago, my daughter immediately agreed to his organ donation and has got much comfort in the letters she received from the recipients. According to some statistics presumed consent does increase the number of organs available for transplant and I am therefore all for it.

sweetcakes, there is still tissue that can be taken even if the organs haven't functioned properly. Corneas too.
People in their 90's have donated certain areas of their body and I wouldn't have thought they'd been suitable candidates.
I'd still offer knowing that I have kidney failure, possibly heart failure too and other medical problems ( I sound as though I need transplants myself ) but there will be certain parts of my body that can be utilised.
Being a warfarin taker doesn't stop organ donation either. In fact there aren't that many reasons why your organs can't be used.

Bodies left to medical research are most often used by medical students for dissection. This is a vital part of training for our future doctors. My daughter during her training said she formed a fondness for “her” cadaver. All the bodies were treated with respect and at the end the students held a little service of thanks before the final disposal.

Towards the end of her life my grandmother announced one day that she wanted to leave her body for public auction. There was a stunned silence. She then said, 'What did I say?' I told her. She then said, 'That's not what I mean. I mean medical research!' Dysphasia does funny things!
PS after she died the medical school declined her body. She'd have been so disappointed.

I don’t like the idea of automatic removal of organs. You should opt out if you don’t want to donate and as long as all family members know your wishes it should be up to them. My only reservation is you will never know who you have saved. What if they turn out to be a serial killer? I know this sounds silly but it is food for thought. Sorry to be a bit controversial.

It is wrong to have presumed consent. What if someone isn't aware that it's like this for a start. The government has no right to do anything with the body of someone who has died The principle is totally wrong. I hope they are going to ensure every single person is told and given a form to opt out.

I know donors are needed. I think its wonderful if people can be helped in this way. But your body belongs to you. Only you should decide.

There's something else you can leave your body for, I read a book about it. They use bodies for things like crash testing, to test seat belts etc, also to decompose slowly in various environments to see what difference the flora and fauna of the area make to the decomposition. It helps with criminal forensics. They don't care if your organs are a bit decrepit.

Sillyoldfool
My body will be donated to science.
If the family want they can have the body returned for burial.

Ellanvannin I have already been told I cannot donate by my consultant due to my illness and medication that I take.

When you renew your driving licence online at 70, you have to complete a choice of two in order to get your licence.

The choice: I will agree to donate my organs after my death

or

I will agree to think about it later. There is no option to opt out completely.

I deeply resented this. What happens to the body after death is of no concern to the person, but it is of concern to the relatives. Some cannot bear the idea of their loved one's body beiing cut up and parts removed, and at this most terrible time in their lives, pressure should not be put on them. Others will really want the harvesting to go ahead and benefit someone else. Some religions need to the body to be buried as a whole.

To presume consent for those whose religion prevents it, and to go ahead because a relative isn't contactable at the right time would cause huge upset. The national website below will record your wishes, so at least the medical staff treating you have a starting point to discuss with your relatives. But I would rather this was the choice offered when getting a new licence, rather than being under pressure to agree every three years!

www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-to-donate/more-information-about-your-choices/