In view of extreme shortages of organs, with 6500 on waiting list and one being added evert ten minutes, government will soon carry out consultation, gauging HOC reaction on making organ donation compulsory, in line with Wales’s legislation.
Wales has taken first step in making organ availability easier. Consent will be taken for granted unless one has opted out. This may sound attractive in principal but may be fraught with danger, as relatives may object and our fickle authority may have to relent especially when religious sensitivity is the prime factor.
Better way forward is to make every one sign consent form when we register with GP with opt in and out option available, inhibition dealt-with, opting out should automatically disqualify them from receiving organs. This would be more effective morally, culturally and legally binding if implemented impartially, without fear or favour. It seems religious sensitivity does not affect our judgement when we are recipients, in dire need to save our lives! This is human nature, human greed and selfishness bordering insanity!
It is in our hands to make organ availability plentiful, but as usual England is at the bottom of the league when it comes to taking bold, sensitive decisions, instead relying on the generosity and understanding of the people that is clearing not working, with 500 avoidable annual casualties due to extreme organ shortages, driving desperate patients into arms of criminals who buy and sell organs on black market.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
