9 of 11

Agree

Write now Article Tools

I have never understood why someone chooses to not be an organ donor when he/she dies. Every religion and philosophy approve of organ donation so it makes me wonder if people are simply selfish. In Europe, they have a program called Assumed Consent which means unless someone's family distinctly says no to organ donation of a loved one, or if the family cannot be reached in time, the government assumes you would want your organs donated and takes whatever is needed. In the United States, there are nowhere near the amount of organs needed available. People are so stingy with things like this that others, especially young people, are left to die while sitting on a waiting list. Every day, around 13 people die waiting for an organ and around 11 people get added almost every hour. It's baffling to me why organ donation is not mandated by the government to help out the organ shortage problem.

There is a new process called xenotransplantation in which animals (specifically pigs) are genetically altered so their organs more resemble human organs and can be transplanted easily from pig to human. So many people are appalled by this procedure but one should put it into perspective. It's easy to have the attitude that "I'll never need this" but what if you did, or your mother, or your child, or your spouse? What would you think then?
Although someone has to die in order to save another, people should be able to take their organs along with them. You're not going to need them when your dead so if you're not willing to give them up, they should be taken anyway.

Learn more about this author, Shannon Billings.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Organ donation registers should move from an opt-in to an opt-out system?
We want to hear your view. Write now!