General Chat

In Portugal your organs are automatically harvested, unless stated otherwise before your death. Personally, as I will be dead and past caring, they can have what they can use. Lindy ;-)))

I've always thought that our organs should be used if they are still fit after we die.... without troubling the grieving relatives. BUT so many people don't want their organs to be removed... can't understand why not! Deanna x

default should be USE unless the person has opted out. Anyone with strong feelings would then opt out . Would really help with organ donation etc Jess x

about time they changed this law. As others have said, if you sign a form stating your organs may be used for transplant, then it should be treated as a legal document.. I wonder how many people suffering from shock and grief have refused permission and overidden the dead persons request and then later on regretted that decsion.

I think it the decision of the deceased person, I dont think anyone has the right to change that,family included.

for once a Law that makes sense. Hopefully it will reduce the waiting lists and people will of had there wishes carried out. Think it should be an automatic thing and only not done is you have opted out as how many people wont get round to registering

I'd hate anyone to get me brain-years of cooking, cleaning, washing and watching fireman sam and post man pat. Wouldn't wish it on anyone.lol. you can have the rest though. catherine xx

I agree with that too Paul, Donors should be over 18 to be on the donors register, under 18's should still need their parents consent. We dont' want a repeat of what happened at Alder Hey hospital...

I think if the deceased person have registered as a donor, are carrying a card (which does have the option of excluding some organs I believe?) then they have already made their wishes known. Asking relatives for permission that has already been granted by the deceased themselves has always seemed to me to have taken away the purpose of carrying a donor card. Their views may not correspond with those of their relatives and it shouldn't be for the medical staff to have to persuade those left behind to let them carry out the deceased's wishes. A good move and about time. Mags x

I'm all for the 'opting out' register as a way forward - there may be many people who have thought about registering as a donor but haven't got around to it, and this would get over that issue. The only time I'd say that family MUST have the final say is where a child is involved. I can understand why someone would not want their childs organs taken. Even though the head might say yes, the heart would often say no, and I don't think you should force it (not that anyone was suggesting that).

I totally agree with Paul. catherine xx

i agree too , what a wonderful gift to give someone

Absolutely Paul My husband is dead against organ donation, I am for it. I take the view that it is my body and when I no longer need it they can have any bits they want. Wouldn't want Mr Medlock sticking his oar in! Half the reason the transplant lists are so long is that people are not clear about their wishes and hospital staff don't like to ask families who are alreadt distressed. I think this is a good law - I'm all for it. *gets off soapbox and goes back to work*

i agree with paul. its our choice not our relatives. :-)

I agree. Saves valuable time for those folks waiting for a transplant ... and also takes away the anguish of decision making for relatives. Elaine ;-)

I agree there Paul, a donor card should really be looked upon as a will. Some countries have everyone on a register giving them the option of 'opting out' which seems to work. Would that be too redical a change for us or is this a step in the right direction?

If the deceased person hasn't let their feelings known - is it still up to the relatives or will they take them anyway? jen

I think the change is correct - it'll save more lives. I'm an adult, of sound mind (!!) - if I choose to carry a donor card, then my wishes should be followed after my death, and I don't think my family should be able to stop that.

...of the new law coming into force tonight. Those who have registered as a donor can now have their organs removed for donation without their relatives consent.