A bill is up before Parliament on Wednesday to make changes to organ donor rules. Currently you are able to register as a organ donor (nomally on your driver's license), but any relatives can overrule your decision after you have died. Thie bill would create an opt-in register of organ donors, and if you decide to opt-in to this register, your relatives could not subsequently overrule your decision.
I think that this is an idea that at least deserves a decent debate, and I am glad that Labour has decided to support this bill to a select committee (it is sponsored by National MP Jackie Blue). I am not completely sure that this is the best way to go, but I definitely would like it investigated further.
However, it appears a number of Doctors oppose the bill, saying that it is unenforceable. Just how it is unenforceable hasn't really been stated as yet - hopefully they will provide reasons during the select committee process.
The director of the New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland surgeon Professor Stephen Munn, seems to think that it is unnecessary as overseas research indicates that 95% of families allow organs to be donated after hearing of a deceased relative's wish to donate.
That doesn't seem to work here though. An audit published in 2002 indicated that of 104 New Zealander's who could have donated, 38 did, 31 families refused consent, and 35 families were not asked (no reasons given). This means that at least, close to 50% of donor's decisions are overturned by families - way above the 5% cited by overseas research.
Thinking about it further though, I would like this bill to pass. It really is my choice whether I am a donor or not - it is not my families choice. This bill would seem to simply give effect to my decision.pro visualkore guide
I think that this is an idea that at least deserves a decent debate, and I am glad that Labour has decided to support this bill to a select committee (it is sponsored by National MP Jackie Blue). I am not completely sure that this is the best way to go, but I definitely would like it investigated further.
However, it appears a number of Doctors oppose the bill, saying that it is unenforceable. Just how it is unenforceable hasn't really been stated as yet - hopefully they will provide reasons during the select committee process.
The director of the New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland surgeon Professor Stephen Munn, seems to think that it is unnecessary as overseas research indicates that 95% of families allow organs to be donated after hearing of a deceased relative's wish to donate.
That doesn't seem to work here though. An audit published in 2002 indicated that of 104 New Zealander's who could have donated, 38 did, 31 families refused consent, and 35 families were not asked (no reasons given). This means that at least, close to 50% of donor's decisions are overturned by families - way above the 5% cited by overseas research.
Thinking about it further though, I would like this bill to pass. It really is my choice whether I am a donor or not - it is not my families choice. This bill would seem to simply give effect to my decision.pro visualkore guide
Comments
I would like my wishes as a donor to be observed over the wishes of my family (though I doubt they would object). After all, it's not like I would need the liver/kidney anymore, and the family has no fit use for it. It might as well be used to help somebody.pro visualkore guide
Hi,
I am the co-author of the organ donor bill alongside Jackie Blue. I took this idea to Jackie and we have been working on it ever since.pro visualkore guide
Without going into great detail here I would like to point out that if you agree with autonomy & that others should not be able to veto your wishes then you may like to sign my petition (online)pro visualkore guide
I will be presenting the petition the Parliament when I am called to present my submission to the bill in about 8 weeks time.pro visualkore guide
There will be heavy opposition to this bill from the doctors so could do with as many signatures on my petition as possible!pro visualkore guide
To add your name to the petition, or to read the actual bill, or for details on how to make your own submission to Parliament on it. Visit my website: www.givelife.org.nzpro visualkore guide
Cheers
Andypro visualkore guide