[Octohedral]

(Original post by R.P.Everything.)
The way I see it, an opt-in system with compulsory registration (on, or off the list) would save just as many lives as an opt-out system. Again, those who want to be on the list will still be on, and those who don't will still be off.

The way you say that a compulsory form may 'scare people off' makes it almost seem like you want to dupe people into presumed consent, and ignore the choice of individuals to boost organ donor numbers. It is an unacceptable position for the state to presume consent - some people may not even know that the state owns their body, which is a huge breach of personal liberty.

Yes, life saving is important, but it can be done through an improved opt-in system, rather than an ethically wrong opt-out system. The state should never hold the default position of owning someone's body, until they choose to opt out.

Ha ha, I see what you mean, but all I meant was that if someone gets a form they may be scared off by the phrase 'organ donation', wheras if somebody sits them down and impartially explains the benefits and problems I believe they would be more likely to consent (because I believe organ donation is an amazing thing, and not properly understood).

I'm not interested in duping people, I just want to help people who need help more than those that are already dead. I see your point though, and a compulsory form would certainly be better than the current system.

[ed-]

If it did switch to 'opt out' there would have to be some serious education to make people aware that they're automatically registered to donate organs. Otherwise people may not know and their family may be shocked when the doctors turn up.
It does seem extremly immoral to assume ownership of a person's organs without their consent. It's like gene patenting.
Sure, it only takes a few minutes to opt out, but why should people have to? Usually I'm authoritarian in all aspects of politics but this seems to be crossing a line in my eyes.
Seeing as stem cell research is developing very quickly I think this is an example of too little too late as soon it may be a pointless exercise if organs can be sourced from elsewere. Maybe a better exercise would be for the government to block limitations on stem cell research (and other research)

[jkneen95]

accidentally voted "opt in" instead of Opt out" because I would opt into organ donation. Many people would donate organs but just can't be bothered, so I think we should take on teh opt out system

[CAElite]

Opt Out. Organ donations are required to keep the country healthy and they can easily change peoples lives. There would be far more organ donors in the country if they operated an Opt Out system since i believe there are many people out there who do not feel strongly enough to opt out or opt in.

[Rhiannan94]

The thing I don't like is the presumption that everyone can easily opt out if they want to. If it is that easy, why not keep it as opt in? I agree that there should be far more information/advertising available about donating because I wouldn't have the first clue on how to go about doing it, which could bring the numbers up like the government wants without people feeling like they are being pressured into making a decision.


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