Letter: Government should have an opt out organ donation system instead of an op in system
In this July 11, 2011 photo, people fill out forms in which they can register as an organ and tissue donor, as they apply for a California drivers license at a DMV office in Los Angeles.
Nick Ut, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Organ donation is continuing to be a topic of interest over the years as the waiting list for those needing an organ has grown at an alarming rate. The benefits of donating outweigh the costs by far. Whether or not one should donate is not necessarily the question, but rather, should it be mandated by the government?
According to the latest data, there are over 116,000 people in the U.S. on the organ waiting list. A new name is added to the waiting list every 13 minutes and 18 people die every day while just waiting.
If the government mandated an opt out system instead of an opt in system, the result would be phenomenal. Since a single person can potentially save up to 8 lives, there would virtually be no waiting list and it wouldn't be necessary for Americans to go to other countries "shopping" for an organ that may or may not be the most suitable for their needs.
If you had the chance to save a life, would you?
Kara Poulton
St. George
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While I fully support the organ donor program it will never and should never be done by default. I can understand the frustration of waiting for a donor but we shouldn't get to the point where we are harvesting from people that never consented More..
What corrupt minds would ever think that government has the right to harvest our eyes, or heart, or liver, or lungs, or kidneys unless we forbid it?
Our bodies, given to us by our Creator, are not under government control.
That is right. Just like if you don't leave a will your assets should be given to the state.