Why would you choose not to be an organ donor?

[N.Bailey]

In PA, you can become a donor via the dept. of motor vehicles. I don't know how it's handled in other states, but wanted to clarify my answer by stating such.

My husband and I are donors, but when my son turned 16, he was too uncomfortable with the fact that it's possible that he could die that he just couldn't check yes to being a donor. A year later, his sister turned 16 and she was quite ok with it, so she checked yes and is a donor (with our permission). I have little doubt when my son turns 20 and has to get a new license, he'll check yes, but I wasn't going to push that on him. I felt he needed to come to grips with it in his own time.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

I am an organ donor but because of health problems I know when I die my organs will not be viable. I cannot donate blood or bone marrow today because of the health problems but I still chose to be an organ donor because of the principle behind it.

 

[luvmy3]

Yes

Then I don't understand why some are prohibited from donating I get there are certain groups at higher risks for things but if its all being tested then there is no need for restrictions.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Yes

If I recall though, it's not single source testing, rather it's lot testing, so if three lots are put together and it comes back as infected with HIV or Hepatitis, the whole lot is destroyed.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Then I don't understand why some are prohibited from donating I get there are certain groups at higher risks for things but if its all being tested then there is no need for restrictions.

Oh, I agree. Like I said, I think that it is because people will fear the blood supply. Keep in mind - there were laws that required testing before people got HIV from the blood supply. The rules were changed to get people to accept blood again.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Then I don't understand why some are prohibited from donating I get there are certain groups at higher risks for things but if its all being tested then there is no need for restrictions.

There is a misconception that all gay men are in a higher risk pool, but it's not true anymore, if anything African American women are the highest risk pool (depending on the study you read).

In short though, there seems to be little movement reversing this antiquated policy, regardless of whether it carries validity or not.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

If I recall though, it's not single source testing, rather it's lot testing, so if three lots are put together and it comes back as infected with HIV or Hepatitis, the whole lot is destroyed.

That is the way it used to be. Not sure about today...

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

You quoted my comment about someone insinuating I called them selfish, which I didn't, I said that my opinion of the situation is selfish in my eyes, which is different. Perhaps you intended to quote a different post.

I also never called anyone ignorant, I said Education is the key to stopping Ignorance. Please do not assume or twist my words.

You are coming across a certain way. No twisting of words required.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

You are coming across a certain way. No twisting of words required.

Sorry you feel that way.

 

[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.

This is pretty much what calling someone 'selfish' looks like ...

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Sorry you feel that way.

Your posts are always intelligent, but sometimes the message gets lost in the delivery...

 

[jlewisinsyr]

This is pretty much what calling someone 'selfish' looks like ...

I didn't say you were selfish...don't be so presumptuous.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Your posts are always intelligent, but sometimes the message gets lost in the delivery...

Although I am not perfect in grammar, my tone is very flat and I often avoid emotion, so people tend to take offense.

 

[NikitaZee]

I didn't say you were selfish...don't be so presumptuous.

Sigh -- I have no wish to de-rail this thread any more than it is. I feel a certain way, you presume that I am selfish for that feeling and what I may or may not do after I die based on my feelings. We'll just have to agree to philosophically disagree.

 

[N.Bailey]

There is a misconception that all gay men are in a higher risk pool, but it's not true anymore, if anything African American women are the highest risk pool (depending on the study you read).

In short though, there seems to be little movement reversing this antiquated policy, regardless of whether it carries validity or not.

This is downright ridiculous policy. I hope it's only statewide and is not national policy.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

This is downright ridiculous policy. I hope it's only statewide and is not national policy.

It's Nationwide...the Red Cross follows policies set down.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

This is downright ridiculous policy. I hope it's only statewide and is not national policy.

It is a national policy.

 

[N.Bailey]

It is a national policy.

It's a ridiculous policy!

 

[jjarman]

My old boss got a liver last fall. He was literally on death's door when he received it. The nicest attorney I ever worked for. My cousin got one as well. He only lived 6 weeks after because it was not a good match but that was 6 more weeks he got to see his children and wife. My son's teacher was killed in a car accident a few years ago. Her mother told me at the wake that they told her she helped 45 people with the donations. And she looked completely normal in the casket, other than being dead. But the best story was this past January we were in Magic Kingdom one morning. My mother and I watched the cutest little 3 year old girl laughing and dancing with her father for about 15 minutes. Finally her father leaned over to my mother and told her his little girl had had a heart transplant last year.

 

[C.Ann]

Most definitely have advanced directives on file. Make sure the person you name to carry out your wishes will do what you would have wanted, and make sure the directives reflect exactly whatever you wish--as far as life sustaining procedures, end of life decisions, and organ donation . We have the issues ALL the time at work...in some states all the children have to agree, in others it is the majority when there are not advanced directives.

Thanks for that info.. I will definitely look into it.. Is an "advanced directive" different than the papers I have filled out regarding end of life issues in terms of being placed on a ventilator and such?