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The State cannot say to us, 'What's yours is mine unless you claim it.' That is effectively what an opt-out system is saying. We are being told that we can keep our organs when we day only if we request it. I find that repulsive.
The State would not dream of trying to get its hands on my worldly possessions when I die - apart from through the wicked inheritance tax! Anyone who tried to take my car because I had died would be accused of theft. OK, so kidneys, hearts and lungs are slightly different to vehicles. But it is the same theory.

Don't get me wrong, I am all in favor of organ donation. What good are your organs to you once you die? They simply decay with the rest of your body. If they can be used to help someone else live or enjoy a better quality of life, then, in my view, that must be a good thing. I reckon the majority of people would go along with that. But just because we feel that way doesn't mean we should impose an organ grab scheme on everyone.
I have spoken long and hard with my loved ones about organ donation. My wife and myself really want to be able to do something to help someone else when we are gone. My son, for very well structured reasons, does not want anyone interfering with his body when he dies. I want that wish to be respected. He should not have to sign a piece of paper to keep what is rightfully his - something that he came into this world with and wishes to exit it with.
The answer is not to make everyone become an organ donor unless they opt out. The answer is education - more public information, making donor cards more readily available. I'm sure there are enough willing donors out there to meet demand, but we need them to tell us that they are prepared to give the amazing gift of life when theirs has ended.

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