We have all had a loved one in a medical situation who was in need of love, prayers and a good doctor. However, for thousands each year, a loved one is in need of the donations of others to survive. Discussing plans with your family in case of an unfortunate event is a step often left out of our lives. If organ donation is not for you, think about reviewing different options with your loved ones. If you aren’t well-informed about donating, take the time to do some research.
The U.S. Organ & Tissue Donation and Transplant site offers more than enough information for making a suitable decision. The site explains that no matter your age or medical condition, almost all organs are accepted for donation. Doctors review all organs prior to transplant surgery, but a patient may receive a transplant in less than perfect condition if no other organs are available.
Included is also a reference guide for religious views on donating. The reference, including citations from many religious figures provides a quality explanation behind the ideals of different beliefs. Besides providing a well rounded source of information on transplants, the site discusses risk factors of organ failure. Even for those uninterested in donating, this section can be valuable for living a healthy, satisfying life.
However, not everyone believes in donating organs. Several religions condone separating the deceased from their organs. In addition, such famous cases like Terri Schiavo have publicized the argument over which family member should be allowed to make decisions for a loved one who had not already decided. In that case, the debate over who should make the final decision is much grander than the scale of this blog.
Some argue that those who are in need of an organ due to alcoholism should not be granted donations. While other arguments have been made that the bodies of organ donors are mistreated and seen as “supplies”, horror stories have spread regarding doctors harvesting organs before donors have been pronounced deceased. Those against organ donation tend to have strong reasoning supporting their decision.
Overall there is no debate that discussing your desired plans with family members is the key to insuring your wishes are met. Giving after life or keeping as you were given, where do you stand?
What’s your opinion on organ donating? Should our organs stay with us after death?
