Enforced organ donation?

The organ business is a multi-billion pound business.  The Gorgon tried to institute the "opt-out" scheme, which was roundly rejected by the public.

Now the ConDems are at it - ostensibly only affecting new drivers. But should the scheme be put into effect, that will change to include all of us, over time.

For instance, the government might require that we retake our drivers' licenses every 10 years. Or we might be required to retake the test after receiving a prescription for glasses, or some other medical condition.

It seems clear that the powers that be (EU and UN, probably) want our organs, one way or another.

A DT letter writer describes the problem:

SIR – When applying for a driver’s licence, we are to be obliged to answer a question about organ donations (Letters, January 3) with “Yes I would like to register”, “I do not want to answer this question now”, or “I am already registered”.

But there will not be an option of “No”. This is a manipulative move towards compulsion or an opt-out system.

Already, “consent” for organ donations is not informed on at least three grounds. First, there is no explanation of the harvesting procedure.

Secondly, there is no definition of death, which for transplant purposes is very different from the common understanding, and continues to be contested internationally.

Thirdly, there is no opportunity to insist on full anaesthesia for when a donor is “dead” but is still responsive.

This deception of an altruistic public has continued for more than 30 years and the organ donation system now moves further away from properly informed consent.

Dr David J. Hill
Dr David W. Evans
Nicholas Blyth
Huntingdon

Perhaps we should carry cards on us which explicitly state that under no circumstances do we want our organs donated, regardless of what NHS paperwork might or might not state.

Related:

• Organ trafficking, eugenics and corruption: meet our new EU 'partners'