07-04-2013, 11:03 AM
This post is prompted by a news item on the BBC in which it was announced that that Wales is introducing a policy that will presume consent for organ donation unless you specifically opt out. It also cited the case of a 60 year old man who was waiting for a lung, liver and kidney transplant. He had already had one kidney transplant that was failing.
What is your position on organ donations? With an ever increasing world population as well as an ever increasing ageing population, should we really be saving the lives of so many of the elderly? Note: I am no spring chicken myself and personally I would refuse a donation if it ever came to pass that I needed one. Medicine without a doubt, is wonderful, but we are all living longer and putting more pressure on the Earth’s limited resources and not putting anything back, so, should we re-think and only save those who can make a viable contribution to society. I am thinking of Nelson Mandela. At his age and in his state of health, shouldn’t he be allowed to die a dignified death rather than be kept alive by artificial means?
To withhold an organ transplant from a dearly loved member of a family I realise would be heart breaking but I wonder how many realise the actual financial cost of an organ transplant. Thousands and thousands of £, all putting real pressure on the resources (in the UK at least) of the National Health Service.
What are your thoughts?
What is your position on organ donations? With an ever increasing world population as well as an ever increasing ageing population, should we really be saving the lives of so many of the elderly? Note: I am no spring chicken myself and personally I would refuse a donation if it ever came to pass that I needed one. Medicine without a doubt, is wonderful, but we are all living longer and putting more pressure on the Earth’s limited resources and not putting anything back, so, should we re-think and only save those who can make a viable contribution to society. I am thinking of Nelson Mandela. At his age and in his state of health, shouldn’t he be allowed to die a dignified death rather than be kept alive by artificial means?
To withhold an organ transplant from a dearly loved member of a family I realise would be heart breaking but I wonder how many realise the actual financial cost of an organ transplant. Thousands and thousands of £, all putting real pressure on the resources (in the UK at least) of the National Health Service.
What are your thoughts?