Why would you choose not to be an organ donor?

[jlewisinsyr]

Here's a question for you. If you had a family member who is an organ donor and someone needed their heart, or something else in order to survive, could you deny them the chance at life because they weren't willing to donate that same organ?

I don't think I'd ever know, but in a way, I would hope that it was someone who was true and deserving and give all they can in life. Unfortunately that's not reality, because even convicted felons can receive organ transplants.

 

[Sparx]

It's a strong feeling I have. My other organs, take them. I honestly don't see why this bothers some folks? Surely there are worse things a person can get criticized for than choosing which organs they wish to donate.

It bothers people because so many have been faced with a friend or loved one having fatal organ failure, and waiting for a compatible organ to come along. If everyone who died opted to donate their organs (of course medically acceptable organs) this wouldn't happen.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Unfortuantely no, I don't think I know anyone who would pass up an organ transplant because they were/are selfish. That would contradict the being selfish part.

Just to be clear, do you think that a person willing to give up every body part but two can really be called selfish?

 

[NikitaZee]

It's the Dis. It is a good thing that you didn't say that you are okay with line jumpers. Then you would really be in trouble...

Ain't it the truth! Nice to have a little comic relief -- although, I have thick skin I can take it. I've never professed to being perfect

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I don't need to prove it I was the one on the phone with the aunt as she sat there. How would you like me to prove it to you? Believe what you want to. I was trying to share a very real aspect of what occured just last year. And I actually know the people that were involved on the donating end of it. There had to be a family witness. I don't know if it was a "hospital" specific thing. Perhaps that is not always the case. It was the case in their instance.

I don't think anyone is trying to call you out, but they do not harvest organs in the middle of a patient room and Operating Rooms are restricted places, and VERY few people outside of the immediate operating staff and patient ever are allowed in there.

I needed surgery when I was 19, and my boyfriend at the time (he was a few years older then me) was in med school and asked if he could sit in on the surgery, it was part of the same hospital group that was associated with his school, but they wouldn't let him, even with my permission.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

It bothers people because so many have been faced with a friend or loved one having fatal organ failure, and waiting for a compatible organ to come along. If everyone who died opted to donate their organs (of course medically acceptable organs) this wouldn't happen.

It would not be as common, but it would still happen a lot. There are many organs that go to waste today because they cannot get the organ to a tissue match patient in time. Organs cannot be stored like blood.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Just to be clear, do you think that a person willing to give up every body part but two can really be called selfish?

If they're willing to take the body parts that they're not willing to donate, partially, yes.

 

[NikitaZee]

Unfortuantely no, I don't think I know anyone who would pass up an organ transplant because they were/are selfish. That would contradict the being selfish part.

I'll try not to get offended at being called selfish over and over ... if you only knew me, and didn't make such assumptions based on the answer to one question ...

 

[luvmy3]

I don't think I'd ever know, but in a way, I would hope that it was someone who was true and deserving and give all they can in life. Unfortunately that's not reality, because even convicted felons can receive organ transplants.

I never thought of donating my organs with strings attatched. Would I want them to go to the young mother that has kids counting on her before the convicted felon, sure. Would it matter to me if either one of them was unwilling to donate their own organs, not in the least. I don't believe that makes anyone undeserving.

 

[lillygator]

My mom refuses to be a donor. I've told her that if the decision is up to me, she will be one.

oh, if I was mom, I would certainly have something drawn up reliquishing you of any say.

I disagree...if you were given the opportunity to give someone else life, and didn't with the organs you denied, why should you be granted the option for the same organs you possibly denied? This doesn't negate those who physically cannot donate or their organ would be incapable of being donated (cancer ridden, etc.). For instance, I'd love to give blood, but I cannot because of my sexuality and I had to have blood once when I was younger. But if I could, I would in a heartbeat.

huh??

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

If they're willing to take the body parts that they're not willing to donate, partially, yes.

Well, you are entitled to your opinion.

For the record, my wife is not an organ donor - never will be. She has a phobia about it. But she would accept an organ to preserve her life. And there is not more selfless person on this planet. She gives more of herself than any other person that I have ever met. If you met her, you would agree.

Try not to judge a person based on such a narrow issue. This issue is wrapped up in so many things that have nothing to do with one's sense of charity.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

huh??

I cannot donate blood because I am a male and have sex with a male. It's prohibited.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I don't need to prove it I was the one on the phone with the aunt as she sat there. How would you like me to prove it to you? Believe what you want to. I was trying to share a very real aspect of what occured just last year. And I actually know the people that were involved on the donating end of it. There had to be a family witness. I don't know if it was a "hospital" specific thing. Perhaps that is not always the case. It was the case in their instance.

I asked for proof because I though you were asserting this as the norm. I looked for info and found nothing like this.

Do you mean she was actually sitting in on the surgery in the OR? Or perhaps sitting outside the room signing off on it. I have never heard of this, hopefully the facts are different than her sitting there watching them perform the surgery. I am sure this would be more widely known if it were common. It makes no sense, as no one would agree to this.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Try not to judge a person based on such a narrow issue. This issue is wrapped up in so many things that have nothing to do with one's sense of charity.

My opinion comes from ones ability to receive life and not give it if given the chance. Life is a little different the charity.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I'm not registered as an organ donor, however, I will be one if I can. My DH or other family members will let the doctor know it. To me, when someone donates an organ they are living on through that person.

I think it would be awesome to donate an eye to someone. Can you imagine the gift of sight you have given that person!! Not only have you given them sight, but you might be giving them independence.

 

[crashbb]

I never thought of donating my organs with strings attatched. Would I want them to go to the young mother that has kids counting on her before the convicted felon, sure. Would it matter to me if either one of them was unwilling to donate their own organs, not in the least. I don't believe that makes anyone undeserving.

I just find it confusing (for lack of a better word).

If one believes that you need all your organs in the afterlife (and thus won't donate), wouldn't accepting organs mean depriving someone else (the donor) of an afterlife?

If one believes that doctors won't try to save you if you are an organ donor, wouldn't accepting organs make you a party to that "murder" (which is basically what these people are accusing doctors of doing)?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I'll try not to get offended at being called selfish over and over ... if you only knew me, and didn't make such assumptions based on the answer to one question ...

I don't think I ever pointed you out and said you are selfish. I said the act which you describe is selfish, there is a difference.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I cannot donate blood because I am a male and have sex with a male. It's prohibited.

I have a few gay male friends and they say the same thing. Made sense before we had reliable tests for AIDS. Now it is just to get the general populace to accept the blood supply as safe. There were only a few cases of AIDS transmission from blood, but it almost killed the whole shebang.

Sadly, this sort of fear is hard to overcome.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

There is no greater gift than a donated organ to a family that is watching their family member go through hell only to eventually die...if you've ever been in a dialysis center, you would certainly have your mind made up (or at least I hope so...). My father received a donated kidney a year ago. PKD is a hereditary disease and the only cure is organ transplantation. We are so thankful that my dad's donor made the decision to donate! Just something to consider!

My mother has only one kidney.

I'd have to say that part of my consideration of not being a live donor at this time--part of it is to hold out for her if needed.

She was born that way and has thus far had a successful life from that medical aspect. She is disabled for other reasons.

But I wouldn't let my mommy die if she needed a kidney and I were a match.

But sadly--there was no need to tell you that b/c what people choose to do with their own body in life or in death is their decision alone to make and noone should be shamed or guilted into it. It's vile.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

My opinion comes from ones ability to receive life and not give it if given the chance. Life is a little different the charity.

My wife has probably saved a number of lives. One need not donate their organs to accomplish that feat.