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To assume everyone is in optimum health at the time of (traumatic) death, their organs are "clean" of parasites, viruses, or cancer seed cells and allow the automatic harvesting of their organs has to be one of the most ludicrous lines of reasoning conceived. To allow the current system to change from an "opt-in" to "opt-out" would be based on a similar line of logic. Understand I am not against the idea of organ transplant. The choice to become an organ donor at the end of one's life, or as living organ donor can perhaps best equate itself to being a heroic act to recipients of these gifts. To be given a second chance at living by a stranger is truly a courageous act of compassion and selflessness. For the donor much thought and possibly debate will have gone into making such a decision. The idea of giving recipients a second chance at life brings a certain degree of dignity to one's existence and calm to one's soul.

In 1997, I completed the necessary forms to allow me to carry the organ donor card next to my driver's licence. My decision to do so resulted after careful thought and "debate" with family members. Many of whom did not and do not agree for personal or religious reasons. At that time, I thought myself to be in top health. I did not do drugs in my teens or adult life; I did not smoke; I did not drink alcohol in excess; and I ate (for the most part) healthy foods. I always received an annual clean bill of health by my physician and gynaecologist. All that changed in 2002 with a diagnosis of a sarcoma form of uterine cancer. The cancer diagnosed at late first stage required surgery and radiation as its course of treatment. I have been cancer "free" for nearly 6 years. I use the term "free" as opposed to "cured" because my doctors (and insurance companies) now hold the view all cancers have some degree of recurrence. I have made life-style changes during this time to keep my physical, mental, and emotional self in top condition. I am content. However, I live with the knowledge the cancer may return. If my body is harbouring the cancer seed cells, it is my immune system keeping these cells in check and preventing its recurrence. I do not know. With the same degree of thought, I have "opted-out" of the organ donor program. An organ recipient will require a life-time of immune system suppression to prevent the body from rejecting the donor organ. Receiving an organ from someone who knowingly knew of his or her tainted health status

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