Your thoughts on being asked to be an Organ Donor?

[Newt]

Over the summer I went to get a new health card since my old one snapped in two. After filling out the paper work and handing me the paper, they asked me if I was willing to be an organ donor. I don't think this is a fair question to ask people up front, as it is quite a major decision and should not be an impulse "Yes" just because you dont want to be embarassed.

I personally would prefer to be buried in one piece, as I would not feel comfortable knowing that some person is using my heart, another my lungs, and another my kidneys, leaving me an organless, bloddy mess in my grave. I think it is a good thing that medicine can save lives, but I personally do not feel comfortable with the concept of having my organs taken out of my body. Some may say that I am selfish and greedy but am I not entitled to rest in peace after I die?

What do you guys think about this?

[Justin]

What good are organs going to be to a dead person, so may as well use them to save a life!

[jerryhung]

I said YES pretty quickly, just because I knew that if I think about it, I will never do anything about it.
So instead of wasting and costing some lives of others, I agreed, but hope it won't come to that day anyway

Depending on YES or NO, you get different suffix after your OHIP number
it's not on Driver License anymore

Honestly, I'd think that I don't want to be buried at all (so i guess cremation), then the organs really won't make a difference

This is some SERIOUS topic among all RFD threads.

[Newt]

What good are organs going to be to a dead person, so may as well use them to save a life!

Save a life, yes that is true , but do you not find it somewhat uncomfortable to have somebody else using your body parts?

How many of your organs can another person be using until they are no longer really themselves?

Personally if I were to find out that I am going to die, I would freely accept it. We all have to die eventually and I don't find it to be a scary thought. Maybe I feel that way because of the things that I have gone through in my life, but thats how I feel.

[B40]

I think the harder question to answer is if you'd give something like your kidney to someone that needed it while you're still alive...

[Newt]

I think the harder question to answer is if you'd give something like your kidney to someone that needed it while you're still alive...

That is a really tough one. Hmm, I think I would be willing to if it were a loved one. If It were to be for a complete stranger, then I dont know. It's a tough one. I would like to help people whenever it is convenient, but giving a part of my body. hmm I would have to think about that some more.

[guest10586]

Death is natural for EVERYONE so no organ donation for me. Give your organs to science so they can cut it up and play around with it.

[chickenbones]

I guess if its against your religion then don't do it. Other than that you'll be rotting in your grave anyway, so why are you so worried about being left bloody in your grave?

And you won't even to alive to feel weird about others using your organs anyway.

Death is natural for EVERYONE so no organ donation for me. Give your organs to science so they can cut it up and play around with it.


Emm good point...But again what if a little girl is dying and she needs your liver to live. I would not want to give my organ to anyone over 80 or maybe 75. Maybe they should have an option for that.

[guest10586]

I guess if its against your religion then don't do it. Other than that you'll be rotting in your grave anyway, so why are you so worried about being left bloody in your grave?

And you won't even to alive to feel weird about others using your organs anyway.




Emm good point...But again what if a little girl is dying and she needs your liver to live. I would not want to give my organ to anyone over 80 or maybe 75. Maybe they should have an option for that.

I'm non-religous but forget it, why prolong the inevitible?

[danfromwaterloo]

Over the summer I went to get a new health card since my old one snapped in two. After filling out the paper work and handing me the paper, they asked me if I was willing to be an organ donor. I don't think this is a fair question to ask people up front, as it is quite a major decision and should not be an impulse "Yes" just because you dont want to be embarassed.

I personally would prefer to be buried in one piece, as I would not feel comfortable knowing that some person is using my heart, another my lungs, and another my kidneys, leaving me an organless, bloddy mess in my grave. I think it is a good thing that medicine can save lives, but I personally do not feel comfortable with the concept of having my organs taken out of my body. Some may say that I am selfish and greedy but am I not entitled to rest in peace after I die?

What do you guys think about this?

Just my 0.02, but I think that's a horribly selfish and illogical feeling to have.

Argument against "someone walking around with my heart":

Premiss 1: There is an afterlife.

If this is false, why would you care that your body is whole?

Premiss 2: When we're dead, our soul leaves our body.

If premiss 2 is false, I would rather have parts of my body in something living than buried underground. After all, if our soul DOESN'T leave our bodies, then we're either incinerated (destroying a part of our soul) or buried in the cold dark earth (not a pleasant thought).

Premiss 3: Donating organs leaves you a bloody mess.

Actually its the car, boat, or chainsaw accident that leaves you a bloody mess. And when they get you to the embalmers, they remove your organs anyways, so really, you're not going to be buried whole anyways, unless you're an orthodox religious person, where they keep you fully whole. If you're not orthodox, the organs end up in a hazardous waste garbage bag.

Premiss 4: One rests in peace better if they've helped save lives than not.

This works on the assumption that the better person you are, the better your afterlife will be. If this is false, then really, why do you have any morality whatsoever? Although there are some conflicting views, many people believe that the fear of the afterlife is what keeps them moral. If you agree with this, then surely saving the lives of others bumps you up on the totem pole as you're headed to the pearly gates.

Did I miss something? Oh right.

Premiss 5: If you were the one needing the organ, you would want one.

If you were sick and needed a kidney, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't object. Why expect someone else to give when you wouldn't?

[Newt]

I think a major issue is for your loved ones. Consider the following scenario:

Lets say you were in a car accident, and were rushed to the hospital. But after clinging on life support for a few hours with your loved ones watching, you passed away.

While your family/loved ones are grieving over your loss, the doctors come in and say that they must now take you away as your heart, lungs, and kidneys must be removed within 1 hour or else they will no longer be of use.

Your family does not want to part with you yet, and would like to stay by your side to say a prayer and be with you at the moment you are leaving this world. However, since you have accepted to be an organ donor, the doctor tells your family that there is no chocie in the matter, and takes you away to do his job.

But in reality, you never really even thought about organ donation when you were alive, you just said yes on a whim.

Is it selfish to want to give your loved ones the comfort that you are resting in peace and that your body is still the physical representation of you, except that your essence is no longer there?

Sorry if this topic is too serious for "Off Topic", but I would like to know what people think about this issue.

[steve.m]

thought about it a long time ago,
yes to donation so someone else can live longer.
BUT i hope some doctors don't give up too quickly on me if I am on the table, so they can get their freebie parts.

[danfromwaterloo]

Save a life, yes that is true , but do you not find it somewhat uncomfortable to have somebody else using your body parts?

How many of your organs can another person be using until they are no longer really themselves?



Ship of Theseus

Check it out. The answer is that one doesn't exist.

If you lose a hair, does that make you a different person?

An arm?

Half a brain?

You cannot walk through the same river twice.

Personally if I were to find out that I am going to die, I would freely accept it. We all have to die eventually and I don't find it to be a scary thought. Maybe I feel that way because of the things that I have gone through in my life, but thats how I feel.

Maybe its because you're dealing in hypotheticals. If a grenade were dropped in the middle of my office, I'd jump on it, hypothetically. In real life, things are different. If the doctor said you were going to die in six months, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't accept it quite as freely as you believe you would.

[Newt]

Just my 0.02, but I think that's a horribly selfish and illogical feeling to have.

Argument against "someone walking around with my heart":

Premiss 1: There is an afterlife.

If this is false, why would you care that your body is whole?

Premiss 2: When we're dead, our soul leaves our body.

If premiss 2 is false, I would rather have parts of my body in something living than buried underground. After all, if our soul DOESN'T leave our bodies, then we're either incinerated (destroying a part of our soul) or buried in the cold dark earth (not a pleasant thought).

Premiss 3: Donating organs leaves you a bloody mess.

Actually its the car, boat, or chainsaw accident that leaves you a bloody mess. And when they get you to the embalmers, they remove your organs anyways, so really, you're not going to be buried whole anyways, unless you're an orthodox religious person, where they keep you fully whole. If you're not orthodox, the organs end up in a hazardous waste garbage bag.

Premiss 4: One rests in peace better if they've helped save lives than not.

This works on the assumption that the better person you are, the better your afterlife will be. If this is false, then really, why do you have any morality whatsoever? Although there are some conflicting views, many people believe that the fear of the afterlife is what keeps them moral. If you agree with this, then surely saving the lives of others bumps you up on the totem pole as you're headed to the pearly gates.

Did I miss something? Oh right.

Premiss 5: If you were the one needing the organ, you would want one.

If you were sick and needed a kidney, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't object. Why expect someone else to give when you wouldn't?

I did not know about what you said in the third point, I guess that changes things around a bit. As for your last point about needing an organ, I think I have reached a point in my life where I realize that if my time is up, then I will accept the fact. I don't quite know if I would object to it (it's really hard to say since your mindset may be different in face of such a situation), however I would not be expecting it of somebody else.

But the fact of the matter is that we should have a choice in the matter. Does it make me a bad person just because I don't feel comfortable about this?

I am curious to know what the church's stance is on this. Not because I am devout Christian or anything, but I am just curious about how they feel on the issue.

[UrbanPoet]

Just my 0.02, but I think that's a horribly selfish and illogical feeling to have.

Argument against "someone walking around with my heart":

Premiss 1: There is an afterlife.

If this is false, why would you care that your body is whole?

Premiss 2: When we're dead, our soul leaves our body.

If premiss 2 is false, I would rather have parts of my body in something living than buried underground. After all, if our soul DOESN'T leave our bodies, then we're either incinerated (destroying a part of our soul) or buried in the cold dark earth (not a pleasant thought).

Premiss 3: Donating organs leaves you a bloody mess.

Actually its the car, boat, or chainsaw accident that leaves you a bloody mess. And when they get you to the embalmers, they remove your organs anyways, so really, you're not going to be buried whole anyways, unless you're an orthodox religious person, where they keep you fully whole. If you're not orthodox, the organs end up in a hazardous waste garbage bag.

Premiss 4: One rests in peace better if they've helped save lives than not.

This works on the assumption that the better person you are, the better your afterlife will be. If this is false, then really, why do you have any morality whatsoever? Although there are some conflicting views, many people believe that the fear of the afterlife is what keeps them moral. If you agree with this, then surely saving the lives of others bumps you up on the totem pole as you're headed to the pearly gates.

Did I miss something? Oh right.

Premiss 5: If you were the one needing the organ, you would want one.

If you were sick and needed a kidney, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't object. Why expect someone else to give when you wouldn't?

someones been taking an informal logic and rational discourse course!!
yet fails to spell premise correctly :confused:

[danfromwaterloo]

I think a major issue is for your loved ones. Consider the following scenario:

Lets say you were in a car accident, and were rushed to the hospital. But after clinging on life support for a few hours with your loved ones watching, you passed away.

While your family/loved ones are grieving over your loss, the doctors come in and say that they must now take you away as your heart, lungs, and kidneys must be removed within 1 hour or else they will no longer be of use.

Your family does not want to part with you yet, and would like to stay by your side to say a prayer and be with you at the moment you are leaving this world. However, since you have accepted to be an organ donor, the doctor tells your family that there is no chocie in the matter, and takes you away to do his job.

But in reality, you never really even thought about organ donation when you were alive, you just said yes on a whim.

Is it selfish to want to give your loved ones the comfort that you are resting in peace and that your body is still the physical representation of you, except that your essence is no longer there?

Sorry if this topic is too serious for "Off Topic", but I would like to know what people think about this issue.

I've already told my parents that I want to ensure that as many people benefit from what I no longer need as possible. Heart, lungs, crotch, whatever. I'd be in a better place, where nothing is physical. Say a prayer. Take a minute. Take 10. But in the end, make sure that who I am gets reflected in my last wishes.

And keeping your organs will provide little solace to your parents and loved ones. It just ensures that the funeral parlor has two or three funerals instead of one.

[danfromwaterloo]

someones been taking an informal logic and rational discourse course!!
yet fails to spell premise correctly :confused:

Graduated in Philosophy. That's how we spell it properly in logic. The Americans b*stardized it; this is traditional English spelling. If you read Russell, that's how he does it.

[Newt]

Maybe its because you're dealing in hypotheticals. If a grenade were dropped in the middle of my office, I'd jump on it, hypothetically. In real life, things are different. If the doctor said you were going to die in six months, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't accept it quite as freely as you believe you would.

I agree with you that things would be different if the situation were facing you head on. But after losing a loved one recently, I guess it put things into perspective for me. I realize now that life must end eventually, but that when it does is not that important. What is important is what you have done in your life, the people you met, the memories that you had.

That isn't to say that I want my life to end, or that I am waiting to die, but quite the opposite. I realize now that each moment we have is a privelage that we should enjoy. Spending time with friends, playing video games, going to work; It's all part of the life, and the memory of just having experience that in my life is enough for me to be satisfied with my life.

Err.. sorry I got kind of off topic! But I really can't help it, I just want to express how I feel, and I guess this is how I go about doing it..

[aquariaguy]

I just went to get my new health card, and no they don't ask you that. ITs on the form, so i just put NO. I don't think they tried to make u embarassed, its because you didn't fill out that section :)


Over the summer I went to get a new health card since my old one snapped in two. After filling out the paper work and handing me the paper, they asked me if I was willing to be an organ donor. I don't think this is a fair question to ask people up front, as it is quite a major decision and should not be an impulse "Yes" just because you dont want to be embarassed.

I personally would prefer to be buried in one piece, as I would not feel comfortable knowing that some person is using my heart, another my lungs, and another my kidneys, leaving me an organless, bloddy mess in my grave. I think it is a good thing that medicine can save lives, but I personally do not feel comfortable with the concept of having my organs taken out of my body. Some may say that I am selfish and greedy but am I not entitled to rest in peace after I die?

What do you guys think about this?

[danfromwaterloo]

I agree with you that things would be different if the situation were facing you head on. But after losing a loved one recently, I guess it put things into perspective for me. I realize now that life must end eventually, but that when it does is not that important. What is important is what you have done in your life, the people you met, the memories that you had.

That isn't to say that I want my life to end, or that I am waiting to die, but quite the opposite. I realize now that each moment we have is a privelage that we should enjoy. Spending time with friends, playing video games, going to work; It's all part of the life, and the memory of just having experience that in my life is enough for me to be satisfied with my life.

Err.. sorry I got kind of off topic! But I really can't help it, I just want to express how I feel, and I guess this is how I go about doing it..

I absolutely agree with you. Life should end, and one should accept this end. However, when it is possible to extend life, we all attempt to do so. While you might not be willing to accept an organ, there are plenty of people out there that want one.

This argument has nothing to do with the acceptance of death though. Aside from Christian Scientists, we all take steps to ensure that we live through diseases, ailments, and illnesses. If there's something we can do to fix ourselves, we do it. If a new organ were your only shot at life, we'd ALL do it. That being said, when your life does come to its end, its better to pass on life to others, than to keep it only to be thrown out.

[robattoronto]

What good are my organs to me when I'm dead? The organ patient wait-list is very long cuz it hard to come by. If you experience or was aware of the life of a person on the waitlist, you'd understand what I mean.

I do agree however that its kind of abrupt to ask you to check a yes/no box.

[CodecX81]

I want to live to be 120.. .and donate my body to science...and come back as a machine-man prototype. But thats assuming we have that technology by then. Its not like I fear death, I just want to see my family through generations.

On a more serious note, realistically, whether you believe in afterlife or not, you won't be any less of a soul if you lack your organs.. They are staying on earth with the clothes you are buried in. Either you let them decay in the ground, or you donate them to science.

Cremation doesn't matter.. they will take the organs out first..and then cremate.

The only reason they will not take your organs, if you died of an illness like cancer or AIDS..

With the waiting line for stuff like kidneys and liver transplants so high, I would do it. I cannot bear to think of a small child having to suffer because one of their organs weren't as strong as mine.

[Newt]

I admire you for your willingness to help people Dan, but I am wondering if you think there is a limit on what we should be done to preserve life. Organ transplanting is quite a minor issue when comparing to things such as stem cell research and cloning. Do you think that it would be right to use stem cells to grow somebody a new kidney, lung, or even a whole new body (hypothetically speaking)?

If life preservation were advanced to the point where natural death could be avoided, do you think it should be done?

Personally I don't agree with it, but I can definitely see that it will become a problem for future generations.

Thanks for the intellegent discussion everybody, I am off work now so I wont be bakc till tomorrow lol. I am glad there are actually forums on the internet where you can discuss something without having to worry about the thread turning into a war of personal attacks or having to worry about the "veterans" of the board coming in boasting their "Elite opinions".

[CodecX81]

Food for thought:

http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hsold124173451mar12,0,1226662.story

[Barton03]

i cant help myself but reply to this topic:

I remember reading somewhere in the newspaper about 3 years ago about a man who checked off the box to have his organs donated in case he was in a fatal accident. Well, the man was involved in a serious car accident, and the first thing the paramedics did when they got to the scene was to attempt to revive him. Now, I'm not sure if anyone told the medics or if the medics checked his wallet, but it didnt take much time for them to pop open the man and start to remove organs. Later, the family of the man was told by a panel of doctors that the man *could* have survived (albeit not 100% functioning, but alive nonetheless) had it not been the medics removing his organs.

Now, my question is, does identifying yourself as an organ donor prevent proper medical attention given? Would someone treat you differently knowing that you would donate your orgrans in the event of your death (ie would they try to 'revive' you any less?)

[gman]

I think a major issue is for your loved ones. Consider the following scenario:

Lets say you were in a car accident, and were rushed to the hospital. But after clinging on life support for a few hours with your loved ones watching, you passed away.

While your family/loved ones are grieving over your loss, the doctors come in and say that they must now take you away as your heart, lungs, and kidneys must be removed within 1 hour or else they will no longer be of use.

Your family does not want to part with you yet, and would like to stay by your side to say a prayer and be with you at the moment you are leaving this world. However, since you have accepted to be an organ donor, the doctor tells your family that there is no chocie in the matter, and takes you away to do his job.

But in reality, you never really even thought about organ donation when you were alive, you just said yes on a whim.

Is it selfish to want to give your loved ones the comfort that you are resting in peace and that your body is still the physical representation of you, except that your essence is no longer there?

Sorry if this topic is too serious for "Off Topic", but I would like to know what people think about this issue.

You are dead and you are already RIP. You can consider your heart is bumping somewhere, your other body parts are saving life. Or, consider the alternative, your heart and body parts will be eaten by worms. The choice is easy. You are saving people's life even after you are dead. Your relative will get over it and they will understand.

If you are worry about your loves one, educate them now. Let them know what you want. Let them know it is the right thing. Let them know what RIP really means. RIP is a mind set and not a complete body part.

Did you ever feel bad about you didn't help somebody when you had a chance and ability? That is your last chance to help somebody. Don't take that away into your grave.

[me!]

If you are an organ donor they will spend less time reviving you and rather harvest your parts instead. What if you are in the ER and the they find out you are an organ donor. How hard are they going to try to revive you if you flatline? We all know that flatliners can and do revive.

Also if you are in a coma or in a vegatative state, but with a slim chance of coming out of it, the doctors, and hospital, will be more willing to pull the plug on you (without actually telling you that they want the organs) rather than cling on to the hope that you will actually come out of the coma. They will convince you that "there's no hope left, let him/her go" But what they really mean is: " man, let's get on with it, we need those organs - stat!"

[aquariaguy]

If you are an organ donor they will spend less time reviving you and rather harvest your parts instead. What if you are in the ER and the they find out you are an organ donor. How hard are they going to try to revive you if you flatline? We all know that flatliners can and do revive.

Also if you are in a coma or in a vegatative state, but with a slim chance of coming out of it, the doctors, and hospital, will be more willing to pull the plug on you (without actually telling you that they want the organs) rather than cling on to the hope that you will actually come out of the coma. They will convince you that "there's no hope left, let him/her go" But what they really mean is: " man, let's get on with it, we need those organs - stat!"

You are an idiot.

You're so wrong. Its not the doctors choice to pull the plug when you are in a coma or vegatative state. And a doctor won't let you die just because you're an organ donor.

[gman]

If you are an organ donor they will spend less time reviving you and rather harvest your parts instead. What if you are in the ER and the they find out you are an organ donor. How hard are they going to try to revive you if you flatline? We all know that flatliners can and do revive.

Also if you are in a coma or in a vegatative state, but with a slim chance of coming out of it, the doctors, and hospital, will be more willing to pull the plug on you (without actually telling you that they want the organs) rather than cling on to the hope that you will actually come out of the coma. They will convince you that "there's no hope left, let him/her go" But what they really mean is: " man, let's get on with it, we need those organs - stat!"

LOL! Do you somehow remember why they want to take your organ out? Just in case you don't, it is to save another life(s).

You are saying the medical workers are going to kill a life in front of them to save another life who they never meet.

[webdoctors]

you guys are very admirable. Even if someone asked me outloud in the office, I would defenitely say No, its just something I am not comfortable with. Call me greedy or selfish, and I would agree with you, it is, but nevertheless who I am.

Sorry.

I do try to make up for it in otherways, by not support slavery while I am alive. >:(

[Jazzhound]

No members of my immediate family has signed up to donate; they're probably not even aware of such a thing. I have thought about donating, and I'm leaning towards that. But, it isn't easy for people who are religious or have conflicting philosophies about life and death and the whole speil. For agnostics, it may be easier to part with; and for me, I think we're all one with the earth, the stars, the Universe, etc. so when I'm gone, the ashes will get recycled back into the Earth. There is no after life, there is no diety... you get the point.

[divx]

Just my 0.02, but I think that's a horribly selfish and illogical feeling to have.

Argument against "someone walking around with my heart":

Premiss 1: There is an afterlife.

If this is false, why would you care that your body is whole?

Premiss 2: When we're dead, our soul leaves our body.

If premiss 2 is false, I would rather have parts of my body in something living than buried underground. After all, if our soul DOESN'T leave our bodies, then we're either incinerated (destroying a part of our soul) or buried in the cold dark earth (not a pleasant thought).

Premiss 3: Donating organs leaves you a bloody mess.

Actually its the car, boat, or chainsaw accident that leaves you a bloody mess. And when they get you to the embalmers, they remove your organs anyways, so really, you're not going to be buried whole anyways, unless you're an orthodox religious person, where they keep you fully whole. If you're not orthodox, the organs end up in a hazardous waste garbage bag.

Premiss 4: One rests in peace better if they've helped save lives than not.

This works on the assumption that the better person you are, the better your afterlife will be. If this is false, then really, why do you have any morality whatsoever? Although there are some conflicting views, many people believe that the fear of the afterlife is what keeps them moral. If you agree with this, then surely saving the lives of others bumps you up on the totem pole as you're headed to the pearly gates.

Did I miss something? Oh right.

Premiss 5: If you were the one needing the organ, you would want one.

If you were sick and needed a kidney, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't object. Why expect someone else to give when you wouldn't?


fact 1: science has already over extend human life, originally people die around age 20, before civilization, in the caveman era. Now people should be pleased they live pass 70

fact 2: earth can only feed so many people, and the overall brith rate exceed the death rates, so why make the problem worse? the nature is trying to achieve balance so that this planet don't get overcrowed. even P Bush helps that by killing innocent people. (I don't agree with him though)

fact 3: there are lots criminals in the world. They should be stripped of their human rights, and if they cannot cover the damage they've done by economical means, then they should sell their organs to.

the world trying at it's best to keep the population under control (using questionable methods), unless we can go immigrant to other planets like Mars or something, then there won't be enough room for 8 billion+ people. (currently 5 billionish)

everyone dies

[Jazzhound]

The UN says world population will reach 8.6 (?) by 2050. We will manage or have a total, and complete collapse. The larger we get, the harder we fall, and it's almost certain a pandemic will do its bit to balance the scales.

Had the flu of 1918 ravaged a population of present day, the numbers would far exceed 50million.

Who knows, we'll see how this Avian flu will do. Water scarcity is far more dire than crude oil; both being depleted fast and furious. And both worth going to war over. In the end, a lot of sh1ts going to hit the fan.

BTW, those aren't facts, they're opinions.

Science can achieve much greater things for us. Criminals aren't all criminals; and Bush probably put some innocent people to death while Gov. of Tejas.

[Ojam]

Yes. No question about, I will donate what I can, since I myself am a recipient (live donor about 10 years ago my father). It’s been a good run, 10 years seems to be about the average life span of my transplanted organ, so I'm pushing it now, in fact I just started going through the transplant work-up testing again a week ago. Hopefully I won’t need it for another few years, but it is inevitable that I will. Stem Cell research was mentioned earlier, I was kind of hopping that the technology would be far enough along by the time I need a new organ that the doctors could simply grow one from my own DNA, but it doesn't look like that’s going to happen. To the people who are saying that everybody dies, yes that’s true, and personally I'm not afraid to die. I just like living more. Also you should know that there were even younger patients then me at the time what I had my transplant, I was 12 BTW. Anyway I'm sure the people who are saying no actually knew somebody close who needed an organ, then they would be thinking differently.

[NDman]

You guys have a great discussion. While I'm still fighting the buzz from the green beer, I'll chip in. I think organ donation is a great idea. My dad is a stubborn old folk that he absolutely refuses to. my mom is another story. She signed up and she's ready for it. As for me? I'd love to but I can't. I can't even give blood for that matter because I have a major heart surgery, and received blood transfusion. I was told by my hospital that I just can't do that even if I wanted to. They said (mind you, I had the surgery about 23 yrs ago) my cornea is possibly the only one I could donate without the risk of major complication... All I can really do is donate money to charity, hospital and alike.

[Tricia]

My not so humble opinion is that if you chose NOT to be a donor, you should never have the right to a donation if the time ever comes.

edited to add that if you can't you are not in the same category as those who chose not to cause it gives them the willies to think of someone else walking around with their body parts.

[Jazzhound]

You guys have a great discussion. While I'm still fighting the buzz from the green beer, I'll chip in. I think organ donation is a great idea. My dad is a stubborn old folk that he absolutely refuses to. my mom is another story. She signed up and she's ready for it. As for me? I'd love to but I can't. I can't even give blood for that matter because I have a major heart surgery, and received blood transfusion. I was told by my hospital that I just can't do that even if I wanted to. They said (mind you, I had the surgery about 23 yrs ago) my cornea is possibly the only one I could donate without the risk of major complication... All I can really do is donate money to charity, hospital and alike.

Your cornea? As in the eye? Didn't think that was possible outside the realm of science fiction.

I agree with Tricia, above. No give, no recieve. I think I'll look into the process this week, or next. Like I said, we're all part of the Earth, the Stars, the Universe -- calcium in our bones to the iron in our blood, were once all forged inside a star.

I love science.

[Skidz]

I will donate my kidneys to the wh;)re that takes my viriginity and leaves me in a bathtub full of ice :D I would but havn't since they took it off the drivers licence

[gman]

I will donate my kidneys to the wh;)re that takes my viriginity and leaves me in a bathtub full of ice :D I would but havn't since they took it off the drivers licence

You pay way too much for sex. Get a PM somewhere else. ;)

[WiZZLa]

Death is natural for EVERYONE so no organ donation for me. Give your organs to science so they can cut it up and play around with it.

That is a type of organ donation actually.

A better question is, "Who's deserving of my organs?" I'd like to screen them out first.

[jckc]

I will and I told the authority my will already.

It is actually harder to educate my family. The word "death" is a taboo with my parents. I just try to bring the donation idea to them whenever there is an opportunity (stories on TV, newspaper, etc).

Doctors will only consider taking the organs after a "brain death". I was with my b/f when his dad passed away after a sudden and serious stroke. In my opinion, they did everything possible: transferred him to a bigger/better hospital, waited for the head brain surgeron (he was attending another surgery), gathered the opinion from a few specialists (2am in the morning), etc. A few hours later, they asked. B/F's family screamed at the doctors and that was it. No pressure.

I've been a regular blood donor since my 18th birthday.

I have no reason why I'm doing what I'm doing. I'm actually glad that my will is stored somewhere in the medical system. :)

[kornstar369]

everyones so touchy on this subject.....

we all give a little, we all take a little....we are, really, helping out one another, humanity and mankind.......this is something i havent thought about truthfully :|

[guest10586]

Just say No to drugs and organ donating.

[danfromwaterloo]

If life preservation were advanced to the point where natural death could be avoided, do you think it should be done?

I think that's a personal decision that shouldn't be governed. I respect your opinion on what you think should occur for yourself, but if someone wants to live for a million years, that's their business.

[danfromwaterloo]

fact 1: science has already over extend human life, originally people die around age 20, before civilization, in the caveman era. Now people should be pleased they live pass 70

What does this have to do with organ donation? Do you honestly mean to tell me that if you were dying and needed an organ you'd say no because you're happy living to 30? Cmon, you're chalked full of sh*t, son.

fact 2: earth can only feed so many people, and the overall brith rate exceed the death rates, so why make the problem worse? the nature is trying to achieve balance so that this planet don't get overcrowed. even P Bush helps that by killing innocent people. (I don't agree with him though)

Again, has nothing to do with organ donation. The world is overcrowding, so I'm not going to help people by giving my organs to them to save their life. Why not go on a killing spree, and say its in the name of overpopulation.

fact 3: there are lots criminals in the world. They should be stripped of their human rights, and if they cannot cover the damage they've done by economical means, then they should sell their organs to.

the world trying at it's best to keep the population under control (using questionable methods), unless we can go immigrant to other planets like Mars or something, then there won't be enough room for 8 billion+ people. (currently 5 billionish)

everyone dies

Defintions: Human rights - those irrevokable rights entitled to every member of the human race. Just because they're criminals doesn't mean you get to treat them like organ brood mares. And population control will occur naturally; as in running out of food. We don't have to think of ways to help it along. Plus, there's really no guarantee that you won't be on the short end of that stick when the time comes.

Everybody does die; this is not in debate. The issue is helping it along by not donating organs. I'd love to hear someone's take on this who NEEDS an organ. Or has loved ones that do. Like a 5 year old that needs a liver to live. Lets see some of these people on here say that a 5 year old can't use your liver, cause you're too busy being buried with it.

[danfromwaterloo]

Yes. No question about, I will donate what I can, since I myself am a recipient (live donor about 10 years ago my father). It’s been a good run, 10 years seems to be about the average life span of my transplanted organ, so I'm pushing it now, in fact I just started going through the transplant work-up testing again a week ago. Hopefully I won’t need it for another few years, but it is inevitable that I will. Stem Cell research was mentioned earlier, I was kind of hopping that the technology would be far enough along by the time I need a new organ that the doctors could simply grow one from my own DNA, but it doesn't look like that’s going to happen. To the people who are saying that everybody dies, yes that’s true, and personally I'm not afraid to die. I just like living more. Also you should know that there were even younger patients then me at the time what I had my transplant, I was 12 BTW. Anyway I'm sure the people who are saying no actually knew somebody close who needed an organ, then they would be thinking differently.

This is what I'm talking about. Some people on here who are saying they wouldn't donate/wouldn't accept a donation are simply unable to put themselves in anothers position truthfully. I have no doubt that if my life were able to be saved by a transplant, I'd take it in a second. With that in mind, I'd donate in a second if I thought it would save a life.

[sfu_lifer]

If I could save the life of somebody, hell yes.
But if I need the organ to live, then no.

If I die, I hope they donate everything that can be donated. I don't understand why people DON'T sign the organ donor line when they get their driver's license. You're dead. You're not gonna care if they take off a few pieces of you. Neither will your relatives in the long run.
As Trish mentioned earlier: no give, no receive.

[Roninvancouver]

...I'd donate in a second if I thought it would save a life.

but what if your organ was going to save an *******? Some wife beating road ragin' alabama troll? or a neo-nazi rebushlican intent on wiping out people who disagreed with him?

[sfu_lifer]

but what if your organ was going to save an *******? Some wife beating road ragin' alabama troll?
You'd hope for the best. Maybe the organ will shape him up when he realizes he was given a second chance at life ...

[Roninvancouver]

You'd hope for the best. Maybe the organ will shape him up when he realizes he was given a second chance at life ...

a nice thought mr. "it's a wonderful life" :razz: but even in that movie the old codger in the wheelchair who stole the money was never represented as being a nice guy worth a 2nd chance lol...

[divx]

What does this have to do with organ donation? Do you honestly mean to tell me that if you were dying and needed an organ you'd say no because you're happy living to 30? Cmon, you're chalked full of sh*t, son.



Again, has nothing to do with organ donation. The world is overcrowding, so I'm not going to help people by giving my organs to them to save their life. Why not go on a killing spree, and say its in the name of overpopulation.



Defintions: Human rights - those irrevokable rights entitled to every member of the human race. Just because they're criminals doesn't mean you get to treat them like organ brood mares. And population control will occur naturally; as in running out of food. We don't have to think of ways to help it along. Plus, there's really no guarantee that you won't be on the short end of that stick when the time comes.

Everybody does die; this is not in debate. The issue is helping it along by not donating organs. I'd love to hear someone's take on this who NEEDS an organ. Or has loved ones that do. Like a 5 year old that needs a liver to live. Lets see some of these people on here say that a 5 year old can't use your liver, cause you're too busy being buried with it.


1. Are you attacking me or attacking my opinions? they are 2 different things.

2. If someone donates me organ, I'd definally compensate him/her financially. If not, then I've lived long enough anyways.

3. killing spree as you called it, is already happening in the world, and there is nothing you can do to stop it, NOTHING. even the UN can't do much and the US only make things worse.

4. criminals have human rights? sure they do but i'm talking about the major offenders. When they denied other's rights to live then they should be punished. Bring back the capital punishments and make them give up their organs. Are you telling me mass murders deserves to live?

5. organ problem can be solved is the government would allow scientists to grow organs, then there will be plenty of organs and we can get them cheaply and replace our insides once a decade like replacing car parts. but by then, people will live too long and the planet gona be sucked dry of resources.

[danfromwaterloo]

1. Are you attacking me or attacking my opinions? they are 2 different things.

I'm debating your arguments. The point of this discussion is not whether you think you've lived long enough or not, and whether you should be content with dying. Its about organ donation. Muddying the water with longevity is not the issue.

2. If someone donates me organ, I'd definally compensate him/her financially. If not, then I've lived long enough anyways.

This is illegal.

3. killing spree as you called it, is already happening in the world, and there is nothing you can do to stop it, NOTHING. even the UN can't do much and the US only make things worse.

I meant going postal in the middle of a mall, not wars.

4. criminals have human rights? sure they do but i'm talking about the major offenders. When they denied other's rights to live then they should be punished. Bring back the capital punishments and make them give up their organs. Are you telling me mass murders deserves to live?

I'm saying that everybody deserves to live. As horrendous as some of these psychos are, killing them is not the answer. Although, for those states down south that do kill criminals, I think their organs should be donated; but that's never going to happen because its not constitutional.

5. organ problem can be solved is the government would allow scientists to grow organs, then there will be plenty of organs and we can get them cheaply and replace our insides once a decade like replacing car parts. but by then, people will live too long and the planet gona be sucked dry of resources.

The organ problem could be solved a lot easier (and cheaper) if they made the organ donation program an opt-out instead of an opt-in program. I'm not sure if they'll ever have an organ farm. But if they do, you've already stated that the world is overcrowded and people are living too long, so would you really use it anyways? You've argued yourself into a corner.

The arguments you make are straying away from the issue at hand, and that's organ donation. Not "living too long" or "too many people". That's a seperate issue in and of itself. This is along the same lines of "if you could help a person, would you?" Really that's what it boils down to.

[danfromwaterloo]

but what if your organ was going to save an *******? Some wife beating road ragin' alabama troll? or a neo-nazi rebushlican intent on wiping out people who disagreed with him?

The act of donating an organ is not one you should agree upon with restrictions. You're saving a life. Period. Whether its a jerk or a baby, those are the chances you take. If a man were gonna be hit by a bus, and you could save him, would you only save him if he were a nice guy?

[afong56]

my 2 cents: (to the op)

i think the 'bluntness' of the question, which you interpreted as abrupt, was obviously not meant to be--there are many who are willing donors, and the directness of the question was probably intended for those who would have participated anyways, and just needed a reminder.

i would hazard to guess that the intention was not to guilt you into making a rash decision. i don't think anyone wants you to make such a decision on the spur of the moment.

that being said, i agree with organ donation. i have signed off on that portion of my documents for over 15 years, and will continue to do so. i plan on being cremated, so what difference will a few extra ounces of ash have on my urn? (not trying to be glib, just brutally frank)

even though i know from personal experience that life is still viable, long after even the doctors have signed off on it, i won't be worried about having my life shortened by medical workers intent on harvesting my organs. i think that possibility would be remote (not impossible, but unlikely)

finally, i don't worry about my grieving family, since they would all know of my intent to donate well in advance of any possible incident. it would not be shocking for them, and i anticipate them being able to handle the event.

quite an interesting discussion, i must say.

[divx]

I'm debating your arguments. The point of this discussion is not whether you think you've lived long enough or not, and whether you should be content with dying. Its about organ donation. Muddying the water with longevity is not the issue.



This is illegal.



I meant going postal in the middle of a mall, not wars.



I'm saying that everybody deserves to live. As horrendous as some of these psychos are, killing them is not the answer. Although, for those states down south that do kill criminals, I think their organs should be donated; but that's never going to happen because its not constitutional.



The organ problem could be solved a lot easier (and cheaper) if they made the organ donation program an opt-out instead of an opt-in program. I'm not sure if they'll ever have an organ farm. But if they do, you've already stated that the world is overcrowded and people are living too long, so would you really use it anyways? You've argued yourself into a corner.

The arguments you make are straying away from the issue at hand, and that's organ donation. Not "living too long" or "too many people". That's a seperate issue in and of itself. This is along the same lines of "if you could help a person, would you?" Really that's what it boils down to.


So you are only allowed to get organs for free? I don't mean buying organ from black market, but donate them some money for the use of legit donated organs. It's optional anyway. Don't you feel like giving others money for helping you out? Or are you expecting free services all the time?

if there is a organ farm, i'd definally use it, perhaps even replacing my healthy organs for genetically engineering "super" organs. wow, i feel like becoming a superman from it. It all depends on the pricetag. Hmm, i wonder what kind store would sell that, maybe walmart wants a piece of that market.

as for helping someone else, it depends, most likely, yes, but if i have to give up my heart for it, then i'd tell them to screw themselves. *exceptions do apply

[me!]

You are an idiot.

You're so wrong. Its not the doctors choice to pull the plug when you are in a coma or vegatative state. And a doctor won't let you die just because you're an organ donor.


NO, you are an idiot.

This actually happened to someone's family I knew many years ago, albeit not in North America.. Don't think that North American rules and ethics apply around the world. Anyone who would presume N.A ethics apply worldwide is too insular to know how the medical profession operates (pun intended) in other parts of the world.

[divx]

would you only save him if he were a nice guy?

how can you rest in peace if you somehow know that the person you saved went on a "killing spree" or went "postal in a mall"? should you be proud that your organ made 20+ people lost their life?

[Degenerate]

"organ donors are people with no faith. What happens one day they figure out how to bring you back to life? Mom I got no eyes!" - Chris Rock

[danfromwaterloo]

So you are only allowed to get organs for free? I don't mean buying organ from black market, but donate them some money for the use of legit donated organs. It's optional anyway. Don't you feel like giving others money for helping you out? Or are you expecting free services all the time?

if there is a organ farm, i'd definally use it, perhaps even replacing my healthy organs for genetically engineering "super" organs. wow, i feel like becoming a superman from it. It all depends on the pricetag. Hmm, i wonder what kind store would sell that, maybe walmart wants a piece of that market.

as for helping someone else, it depends, most likely, yes, but if i have to give up my heart for it, then i'd tell them to screw themselves. *exceptions do apply

I'm not sure how to answer that one. Accepting payment for organ transplant would turn into an eBay auction for organs: those people who will pay me the most for my organ will get it? Plus, I believe organ donation can (and should be) anonymous.

And I guess with the heart donation, that would assume you're still using it :P

[danfromwaterloo]

how can you rest in peace if you somehow know that the person you saved went on a "killing spree" or went "postal in a mall"? should you be proud that your organ made 20+ people lost their life?

Yes, I would, because my conscious would rest on the fact I saved this person's life. What he or she choses to do with it doesn't affect me. Plus, that would assume a certain amount of foresight on to what the person *will* do. I can't control that; I can only control my own actions.

Anyways, that argument is moot because I doubt many convicts (if any) ever get organs...they're way down the list of recipients. They're not supposed to, but I'm pretty sure they are.

[mlc2000]

I personally would prefer to be buried in one piece...

If you have an autopsy, most of your giblets are removed anyways.

I would not hesitate to give everything they need.

My difficulty is, why isn't this stuff attached to your health records?
U get an organ donor car when u do your drivers license. It should be with your health card. Everyone has one of those, not everyone has a drivers license.

[mlc2000]

"organ donors are people with no faith. What happens one day they figure out how to bring you back to life?

What faith condones that type of medical procedure?

[gman]

"organ donors are people with no faith. What happens one day they figure out how to bring you back to life? Mom I got no eyes!" - Chris Rock

If your next stop is the grave yard, how could they bring you back to life years after (with or without your organ donated)?

[danfromwaterloo]

What faith condones that type of medical procedure?

He doesn't mean faith in the religious sense. He means faith in the hope form. Listen to his stand up, its bloody hilarious.

[danfromwaterloo]

If your next stop is the grave yard, how could they bring you back to life years after (with or without your organ donated)?

Who knows? We landed men on the moon; bringing people back from the dead is the next logical step...at least if movies have anything to say about it. Or if not fully back to life, then surely a half-zombie, half-human hybrid. Or a cyborg. That'd be cool.

[divx]

Or if not fully back to life, then surely a half-zombie, half-human hybrid. Or a cyborg. That'd be cool.

nemesis style :twisted:

[Defiant]

I said yes. If I am dead, I'd rather help others since I wont need my organs anymore. Its a little bit of a legacy a person can leave behind without being famous or rich.

I find the notion of doctors 'killing' you prematurely simply because you are an organ donor absolutely silly. Its just paranoia.

[gman]

Who knows? We landed men on the moon; bringing people back from the dead is the next logical step...at least if movies have anything to say about it. Or if not fully back to life, then surely a half-zombie, half-human hybrid. Or a cyborg. That'd be cool.

Hmm! Years after I was buried in the grave yard, my body will be ashes. If they can raise me again in that condition, they don't need my organ to bring me back. They just give me a new one.

[divx]

I'm not sure how to answer that one. Accepting payment for organ transplant would turn into an eBay auction for organs: those people who will pay me the most for my organ will get it?

exactly, you do realize that not all life are worth the same right? Of course it's wrong to sell organs and I agree. but i'm sure the rich and powerful will pull some strings to get the first dib on organs.

[Newt]

My thoughts of the day:

The whole argument about paying money for organs is stupid. That is the one thing that we DO NOT want in this society. It will make things into less developed countries such as China, where people are murdered for their organs.

What I am curious about is whether or not people think that there should be a choice. From what I gather, it seems that people feel that donating is the "right" thing to do, and that choosing not to donate is immoral and irresponsible.

Should we be entitled to choose whether or not we want to donate?

[UrbanPoet]

well... according to teh christianity and the bible...
The only time you may disfigure your body thru things like tatoos is in honour of god.

eg. a tatoo of a bible passage to remind you of your faith.
or in the olden days when there were no tatoos... carving it in with a knife.

because the body is a temple of god , so they say.
So if you were to be an organ donor as long as your doing it in a humanitarian way to help other people in 'glory of christ' then its okay.

Just to clear up any religious misconceptions on the christian side :D
(im probably gonna get flamed cause these days alot of ppl are so overly secular they hate it when ppl bring up religion on an online forum)

[danfromwaterloo]

exactly, you do realize that not all life are worth the same right? Of course it's wrong to sell organs and I agree. but i'm sure the rich and powerful will pull some strings to get the first dib on organs.

Probably do, but they shouldn't. I mean, how long do you have to wait for an MRI when something is wrong? 3 months? 6 months? What about hockey players....a day, maybe two...?

[danfromwaterloo]

My thoughts of the day:

The whole argument about paying money for organs is stupid. That is the one thing that we DO NOT want in this society. It will make things into less developed countries such as China, where people are murdered for their organs.

What I am curious about is whether or not people think that there should be a choice. From what I gather, it seems that people feel that donating is the "right" thing to do, and that choosing not to donate is immoral and irresponsible.

Should we be entitled to choose whether or not we want to donate?

The organs are yours. The state has no business telling you what you should be doing with your own body.

[danfromwaterloo]

well... according to teh christianity and the bible...
The only time you may disfigure your body thru things like tatoos is in honour of god.

eg. a tatoo of a bible passage to remind you of your faith.
or in the olden days when there were no tatoos... carving it in with a knife.

because the body is a temple of god , so they say.
So if you were to be an organ donor as long as your doing it in a humanitarian way to help other people in 'glory of christ' then its okay.

Just to clear up any religious misconceptions on the christian side :D
(im probably gonna get flamed cause these days alot of ppl are so overly secular they hate it when ppl bring up religion on an online forum)

Depends on your interpretation of the Word. Many sects believe that the body is a complete sanctum, and that any interference through medication, surgery, etc is considered a sin (not in God's plan, etc). Therefore, if you won't condone surgery to save your life, chances are, you won't condone surgery after your dead to save another, as much as I think that's completely abhorrent.

[mlc2000]

He doesn't mean faith in the religious sense. He means faith in the hope form. Listen to his stand up, its bloody hilarious.

I 've got most of his stuff, I've never heard that one! Tell a brutha where he can get his hands on that?

[danfromwaterloo]

I 've got most of his stuff, I've never heard that one! Tell a brutha where he can get his hands on that?

Bring the pain.

[Newt]

Rock This

That book is hilarious! Pretty much all of Chris Rock's standup put into a book. I've read it over 3 times, and I still get a laugh every time. I have it by my bed for nights when I can't fall asleep.

His stuff can be pretty offensive to white people though, so be warned, lol.

[divx]

i'm lost, which book r u talking about?