Yes I donate.


  In the UK there are currently 6436 people waiting for an organ transplant. As of April 2017, the amount of people who have received a transplant stands at 1962. The number of those in need has always far outweighed what is available, with approximately three lives lost each day in anticipation of an organ. At present the system which is employed to regulate this process is the donor card scheme, whereby individuals must ‘opt in’ and are able to decide the extent of their donation after death or during life if they wish to give a liver, kidney, bone or amniotic membrane. However, a new system is being considered in England which will mean that unless express permission is given an adults body can be used in transplant operations.

  Wales has already implemented the opt-out approach in 2015, and it has prompted the sensitive issue to be raised again to revise whether or not it should instead favour organ donation rather than a reliance on people signing up. The British Medical Association has stayed true to the belief that a soft opt-out approach is the most appropriate, which qualifies that if the family objects to their relative donating an organ then it does not occur. It is undeniable that there is a need for greater efficacy, although there are many ethical intricacies that must be considered to ensure that people can make informed decisions and there is transparency in relation to the issue.

  Those in favour of the opt-in system argue that the decision to not donate an organ is based on personal and religious beliefs that are just and so people should not feel pressured to go against faith and inherent views. For example certain religions teach that the body must remain in-tact after death to ensure a journey to the afterlife, and an opt-in system ensures that people do not feel inclined to question their principles. Moreover, due to the highly delicate nature of the issue, some feel that donation should be completely voluntary and that it can be dangerous to bring about situations of guilt which hinder the meaning of the process. If there is an assumed sense of permission it brings into question the ownership of one’s body, as it could be seen that individuals are owned by the state.

  On the other hand, the opt-out system can be seen as more beneficial. Many people simply don’t get around to registering yet they do feel that doing so is an important contribution, so this system will remove the burden. The most salient and compelling point for this view is the fact that lives will be saved as it has the potential to significantly increase the number of donations that take place. Jemima Layzell was a 13-year old girl who died of a brain aneurysm, and through her decision to become a donor she was able to help eight people which is more than ever before. The alternative approach confronts people with the topic and injects into public consciousness, perhaps prompting a different response from individuals as opposed to allowing it to be ignored. A number of healthcare professionals feel that change is needed to ensure that people do not suffer.

  It is integral that everyone is encouraged to engage in the idea of becoming a donor with their options and the consequence of each made clear to them. No one should feel pressured, but we must strive for a situation where as many people as possible have the chance to live and enjoy healthy lives.

Thank you for reading!
By Vicale Czan Alfanti
Universal Medicine
 
https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/
https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/about-donation/what-can-i-donate/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-41435255

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