Discussion On Whether Organ Donation Should Be Mandatory
It is pure generosity to donate an organ. It is debated whether or not it should be compulsory. Donating organs is a cause for social good and is completely up to the donor. It is noble to save lives, and organ donors can help eight other people. The ability to donate organs to someone even after your death is a blessing.
The transplantation of organs such as the heart, kidneys liver, lungs and intestines is lifesaving for thousands of people every year. Also, corneas and tissues are donated to many people. Transplantation represents one of medical history’s greatest achievements. Transplantation begins when an organ fails and the person needs a new one to survive. Once a person has been placed on the national waiting list for transplants, they will undergo a thorough evaluation at the transplantation center. The national system matches recipients and donors. Factors such as blood type, body size, illness, and distance are taken into account when matching donors and patients. We have a very long waiting list and not enough donors. There are 18 deaths per day due to organ failure.
One person can change the moment of sorrow into one of hope. Organ donation can save the lives of up to 8 people. If you donate your organs, it is possible to claim that you saved someone’s live.
This particular topic was selected because I was inspired by the drama “BREATHE”, a series that conveyed a powerful message. The series illustrated how an organ donation can save the lives of not only patients but their families as well. The series does have a downside, namely the father character. To save his child’s life he went above and beyond to steal an organ in a way that was inappropriate. Jordan Baker (2012) states that those who need organs the most are also the least likely to register as organ donors. Some people would not be able to qualify as organ donors due to health issues, but we all have a duty of care towards those who are in need. Organ donation should not be compulsory, but we can encourage people to give.
The waiting list for organs that are compatible can be years long. Organ donors are in greater demand. Donate, and you can save a child’s life. Would you be happy if the cardiologist told your six-month survival time unless there was a suitable heart available in the near future? It is this kind of news that thousands of people hear every day. They are then placed on a list of transplant candidates, and many of them wait months or even years for a suitable match. Imagine getting a death threat and seeing the light at end of the road. And knowing that millions could potentially save your life, yet no one does. These people have the potential to live happy lives, but in reality many do not and will not. In contrast, the families of these people often plead to receive organs due to a compelled situation.
Also, many people are reluctant to donate their organs as they feel it’s against their religion. Islam does not allow organ donation. However, according a conference held, three conditions are required to make it possible. The Quran clearly states that saving a life is the same as saving humanity. Zubeida Musafa (2016) also says that Abdul Sattar Edhi was a humanitarian figure and a role-model for millions, who donated his corneas to the needy after his death. This inspired others to donate their own organs. The Transplantation Society in Pakistan says that after Edhis’s eye donation, the public learned about organ donation as a noble act and 504 additional people donated their own organs this year.
Haripriya Suresh is an Indian boy. In January 2018, he was diagnosed with cystic fibroids, which results in a weakening of the lungs. As a result, he required an organ transplant within ONE month. The boy was registered as a recipient on the fourth position, but it took him a while to move up to number 1. The boy’s blood group was AB negative, which made it difficult for him to find an organ donor.
Sharad Patel and Sharad had a tragic accident on May 16, 2016. One of the two was severely injured, and doctors declared him brain dead. In another city, there was a child with congenital heart disease who needed a transplant urgently. They were desperate to find a heart donation for their daughter and learned of a brain dead boy. The parents of this boy refused to accept the heart donation because they thought their son was still alive. The boy’s heart would be too weak for him to survive. So, the doctors suggested that they donate it.
Rachael Retter (September 2018). An unusual case occurred in Europe. Cancer spread from an organ recipient to four recipients. The story begins with a 53-year-old woman who donated her organs and died of a stroke. After 16 months, the woman who had received a lung transplant fell ill. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. The cells were found to have come from the lungs of a 53-year-old woman. The liver transplant recipient was informed in 2011 that her liver contained breast cancer cells. She was terrified to have another liver transplant and died in 2012. After 10 years, a 32-year-old man died from transplant surgery.
Gabrielle Johnston Ike golfing, 52 years old, who recently had a heartattack and bypass surgery, suffered another heartattack which took a toll on his health. He became more and more ill until his heart stopped pumping blood. The doctor informed him of the heart transplant, and the waiting began. Linda and him moved closer to Arizona Medical Center in order to be nearer if a heart was delivered. He began to lose hope as the weeks turned into months. Linda encouraged Linda, who was a good friend of hers, to consider the more positive aspects of life. Linda tried to convince him. However, the knowledge that his own heart could stop any moment made it even scarier. When he laid on his mattress, the pager began beeping louder than ever before. He became more scared than ever before. In less than 24 hours, his heart went from being weak to perfect. He smiled as he laid on his bed, knowing that he could now live his life without fear.
One article describes Alexa Kersting as a girl, diagnosed with lung disease at 7 years old, and requiring a kidney transplant. She developed pulmonary arterial hypertension by the time her organ was transplanted. She was a courageous and brave girl who always thought about her future. Unfortunately, the waiting did not end and at 14, she passed away. According to her dad, she had a lot of talent and was loved by everyone in the family. When you become a mother, you hope to be a mother for many years to come. It’s hard to imagine how life would be without her.
Ernest, 60-year-old organ donor, saved five lives when he died. He was described by his wife as someone who enjoyed life and encouraged everyone to take the time to appreciate it. Ernest always said that his family should make the most of all his assets, as he’d be passing away. Ernest’s family was proud to do what he wanted when he passed away unexpectedly, at the age of just 61.
Although I believe that organ donation is important, I do not think it should be mandatory. As we would not take anything from a deceased person’s home or their property, we will not be able to take organs out of their body unless that person has agreed to do so. The donation of organs is not our responsibility. This is also not acceptable in a religious context. The decision to donate an organ should be voluntary and not compulsory. Only the donation of the organs by the family should be made mandatory.
