So, despite there being a HIGH probability that the organs will go to good use and potentially save someone, you err on the other side because a small few might be bilking the system. What is more fair, betting on the high probability that you can do some good with something you have no use for, or 'sticking' it to the small minority taking advantage? That's all I am saying. Second, you want my organs? PAY ME. Why isn't it like reverse insurance? People can become a member of the National Donor Cooperative or something where they get paid an up-front fee of let's say $5,000 in return for signing a donor contract. If they die, the NDC gets ownership of their organs and can sell them to whomever they like (presumably the highest bidder). In the cases where they get the organs of someone valuable, they've made up for other folks who were paid and did not die or could not provide organs. My late-20-something heart has gotta be worth $100-200k. My almost-no-alcohol-no-medication liver is with a lot of coin. My perfect kidneys are worth their weight in gold! I got lots of goodies, as do others and with a little CASH I'm sure lots of folks could be persuaded to give 'em up in death.[/QUOTE] Maybe a reason you won't get paid for doing this is because there is no guarantee your organs will be salvagable when you pass away. Say by chance you are thrown 300 ft by a roller coaster, I doubt your organs would be intact enough to make for a suitable donation. Secondly, why want money for something you get no benefit from? Remember, you are dead, therefore you won't know the difference between your organs being used or not.
Not really sure what you mean. But if you are dead, and your kidney can be used to help me live 10+ years, I would have to say that I would choose the 10+ years over dying. Wouldn't you? It isn't shame. It is a simple fact that organ donors save lives. This is a lot different than doublespeak or nonsense from a spindoctor on Capitol Hill. Depends on your reasons, completely! One could not want to be a donor simply because they hate the world. That would be an example of a shameful reason. That is why I started this thread, to get insight into others thought processes. Sure isn't the greatest thing going, but I bet you would change your mind if you suddenly had liver failure and some teenager just happened to pass away in the ER the same night you are there and was a donor. Which brings me to wonder, if you were in the situation where a donor's organ was available for your use, do you refuse it on principle?
Not if that money spent convinced you or others to become donors and possibly save someone's life As for me, my internet connection allows me to do my job, therefore making money, paying taxes, and on and on
Then why not mandate? As long as I have the say so over my body, I say no. I do not 'hate the world', I just don't believe in it. Yes, I would not accept the liver, I would not want to live that way.
I was being sarcastic. In response to your 'look into people's hearts', it means to what extent? You say to have a good heart you should donate organs, but what about your money, other than what you would use for basic needs, it sure would hlp other people. Wouldn't that be a sign of a good heart? One doesn't need the internet.
Well, I received organs from a young kid (16) that was beaten up and brain dead, his family donated his organs and saved the lives of three people. After seven years I just met the family (April 24th) and it made them SO HAPPY to meet me and the man who received his heart. It made them know that they did the right thing. Like many people said, you are dead so why not save the life of somebody else, they donor one day could be saving your like or one of your loved ones. And who cares about the money, besides, you aren't paying for it.How can you put a price on lives. So think about it and become a donor!!!
I have already saved people's lives without being an organ donor. I am also the first person who would stop to help someone. Saturday morning I saw a 3-on-1 assault, I stopped my car, got out, and helped the victim, placing myself at risk.
I am. Though after all the stuff they pumped into me to go to the war I dont think I qualify anymore.
You wouldn't want a new lease on life? You may not be very aware as to the sophistication of medical technology these days, but many transplant recipients live NORMAL healthy lives after receiving donated organs. I can't imagine NOT wanting to live that life, because that would mean you simply don't want to live. Strange!
What you fail to see is that this is not about using a way to help people as means to get life-quality 'tokens' you cash in later. Far from it. According to your logic anyone who does well enough in their living life shouldn't help out in their death. This isn't a competition of how many lives one can save, it's about compassion. Even if 9,999 out of 10,000 donoros couldn't save a life...wouldn't it be worth it for 1 to save a life? Where exactly do you place your value? Oh, I am sorry, you will accuse me of stepping out of bounds. But isn't that the crux of it? You are miffed at people taking advantage of the situation, but you haven't defined which point you would find it acceptable.
I have watched family and friends go through major medical problems. From onset, through treatment, and to death. One issue is the meds. Sorry, but I do not want to have to be on drugs to live. Psychologically, I do not want someone else's body part in/on me. I don't believe in the 'tokens' anyways. Wouldn't it also be compasionate if everyone donated their (entire) estate to a charity upon their death. I'm sure it would help most of the people who recieved some of it. How about if we all get rid of our toys and send the money to the Red Cross. Compassionate, right? It is up to the individual to define compassion, whether through religion (or lack of), philosophical, etc.. I believe one can be compassionate without having to donate your organs. Yes, I am religious, but this (organ donation) is a grey area. If you want to donate, donate. Then have a regulatory agency, based on need (1/2 national, other 1/2 regional). As a hospice, once here, have a hospice type health care that you WILL be a part of (will cover costs-immediate and future). Better regulation of 'brokers'. Also, if you donate, the default status will be 'for benefit', which will be for people 'in need' only. You could elect to donate to 'for profit' (plastic surgery, medical use), where your estate should get a cut.
John, You are attempting to apply rationalism to a process most people are very emotional about and it won't work. I was mostly being sarcastic in my reply above, however the truth is two fold. First, if some folks want to sell organs, let the owner benefit. Do this pre-death by forming an organization where the willing doner is paid up front a percentage of the value of their organs. Its like insurance, a roll of the dice. If 1 in 1000 people dies and can be harvested, and their organs have a market price of $500k, then that's $500 per person. They could pay out $300 to be a donor and make a great ROI. Then, since they have commercially purchased the organs, they can broker them to whomever they want. Or, there should be a national single (through legislation) organization co-administered by the AMA/Feds that ensures organs are collected fairly and given out at NO COST fairly too. I'd be all for that. The second part of the truth is most people just don't like the idea of their body getting cut up after death. They picture themselves on the table missing their eyes and parts of skin and with their chest cavity opened and most stuff missing. The thought is repulsive and creepy. You can attempt to apply whatever rationalism you like to that, but most all people are reacting from emotion and won't change their mind. An effective solution to increasing donor %'s would be to offer payments to donors, OR, ensure beyond all doubt that the parts are never whored for money or profiteered from. P.S. Uro you're way off the mark IMO.
You are confusing two issues and comparing apples to oranges. Donating one's estate doesn't offer anyone the ability to live when they would most likely die. Also, if everyone gave their estate away at death this would create a welfare syndrome in society of 'well, I am gonna get something anyways, so why work?" Your example doesn't apply
Are you serious or just being general? My father has had two heart attacks and one quadrupple bypass operation. Should he NOT take asprin and anti-coagulates on a regular basis because it involves the task of swallowing a few pills on a daily basis? Surely you can't be annoyed with the prospect of taking medicine all the way to the extent that you would choose death instead of ingesting a few medications??? Call me crazy, but... A-ok with me. What if it were your brother's kidney? Still no dice? Now, let's flip the situation, say your brother had a kidney problem and you passed suddenly...would you make sure your parents and loved one's wouldn't give it to him if you were a perfect match? I am curious as to your response.
Sure there is a huge emotional part attatched to it. But in the end, is it rational? Nope. I have a basic idea of what the percentages are in the 'real' world, but that isn't the point of discussion here. Rather, it is trying to understand the various reasons people give and the corresponding legitimacies involved. I have more sympathy for those who won't because of religious beliefs and less for those who are just 'creeped' out by the idea.
I don't think my liver would be much use after drinking a lot of alky. I would donate but it's pretty much up to other people's preference on if anyone would want to donate or not.
I have a fear that being a motorcycle rider that they may rush to judgement and let me go figuring I am expendable and not a good member of society. I would love to help others but I want to be sure everything was done to save my life before I do. How can you ever be sure?
Understatement... we've got self-proclaimed Supermen (saved thousands of mortal people's lives while alive) but they won't give up their organs when others desperately need them. Monetary reasons, concerns about really being dead, etc. Not knocking anyone but this is certainly an interesting thread.
It does apply. You see, you are only seeing organ donations. I am seeing treatable illnesses that kill thousands daily because they lack basic medical care. Africa, South America, Asia, etc.. So now, you die, you have lived a full life, why wouldn't you show compassion to those in need by donating your financial success? We already have that welfare system. Now, here is your next statement to me: But look at your next post in response to SRT Mike: Is it rational? Well, you are the one trying to force your views/beliefs on others. The only corresponding legitimacy you are willing to accept is your own. I have no sympathy for (most of) those people who use 'religious beliefs' as an excuse. Even the Bible says 'there is no hidden knowledge'. Learn to read and think for yourself, don't let someone else do it for you. And yes, I am religious. When exactly did I say I was 'creeped' out by it? It seems that you are rationalizing by what you believe is your own (and the only correct) corresponding legitimacy.