It’s a mystery to me
In The Age on Saturday 29 August there was an article by Julia Medew entitled Families veto organ donations.
It was amazing. Not in the good sense.
Rarely do we want to talk about dying; however donating an organ is about the most wonderful gift you could give anyone. In addition to donating blood which is pretty important too.
Off the top of my head Australia has one of the lowest organ donation rates which is a terrible shame considering our health and wealth.
But the article was not about this.
It quotes that “about 12 to 15 registered organ donors did not become donors each year because a family member or friend objected to the process”.
I’m sure it’s legally more complicated than I can comprehend. I’m sure at the time of death it is confronting and difficult.
Peter Singer et al believe donation decisions should be legally protected “just as decisions about other aspects of end-of-life care, when expressed through an advance care directive, or a will, are”.
I’m with that body of learned opinion. It’s a mystery to me how someone can overturn such a personal decision as this.
Very important to talk about death and to talk about our wishes with family and friends. Signing up to be an organ donor may simply not be enough.
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