Organ "Harvesting"

[Wingnut]

Organ \"Harvesting\"

It seems like this one has already been "put to rest", but I thought it was interesting enough to pass along.
Hope this one doesn't sound too political for the forum rules.
A politician in New Mexico was sponsoring a bill to single out bikers who choose not to wear helmets. The bill was to allow - in the unlikely event of an accident, AND the biker being declared brain dead - the harvesting of any or all organs without regard to the bikers wishes. The granting of a drivers license to said biker automatically "forced" the organ donation agreement.
As soon as this proposed bill hit the news (and the bush telegraph), the AMA started a campaign to protest and the sponsor capitulated yesterday - withdrawing the bill.
What I found incredible is that the bill sponsor was a doctor.
My initial shock wasn't on the organ donation (which, to be honest, I'm personally not in favour of) ... but the singling out of bikers (why not include people not wearing seat bels, or us tractor owners not using rollbars, etc). My first thought, as a biker, was that it's not bad enough we seem to be invisible to drivers ... but now we could be a taget for someone who's brother neds a kidney?

pete

 

[PhilNH5]

Re: Organ \"Harvesting\"

Pete,
I once got in an argument along a similar vein. I was youner and more liberal and had just started work at a large corporation. The company was in the process of instituting a random drug test. I was opposed to this.
I wouldn't let the authorities into my house w/o a warrant for probable cause so I certainly was opposed to a "search" of my body. But I digress.
One large overwieght gentleman was offering that any drug user should not be allowed medical coverage - ie. you are tested after a mishap like a car crash and if positive than all insurance would be denied.

I thought this was extreme and said why not include alcohol. Or even better how about other lifestyle choices like unhealthy eating habits. He promptly attacked me verbally. Wanted to know why I was defending drug use and what did I have to hide. So I went on the defensive and pointed out his large stomach and asked if he has a heart attack should we deny coverage as he obviously made the bad lifestyle choices. Well the lunch room went dead quiet - seems this gentleman was returning from medical leave for... you guessed it... a rather severe heart attack. Boy it took a large amount of grease to get my foot out of my mouth.

But I still feel like you - why pick on one behavior like no helmets? Why not cell phones, eating or make up application while driving. Though I loved your comment about being "picked off" cause someone needs a liver.

Phil

 

[RanchMan]

Re: Organ \"Harvesting\"

wingnut-

<font color="blue">My initial shock wasn't on the organ donation (which, to be honest, I'm personally not in favour of </font>

Out of curiosity, why are you against the concept of organ donation as a whole?

 

[Wingnut]

Re: Organ \"Harvesting\"

Long story ... and kind of an evolving opinion. I never really had an opinion that mattered on life/death and all that ... until towards the end of my previous wife's life. We were together for a bit over 20 years, and during the last 5, her health became very bad ... and for the last 2 years, she was mostly bedridden while I cared for her.
I guess it was mostly watching her cope with the pain, embarrassment, hopelessness and all that caused me to lose my fear of death and my desire to live forever.

 

[rdricks]

Re: Organ \"Harvesting\"

It all depends on how you look at things. Unfortunately, I am in a situation where my doctor has informed me that my Kidney transplant of almost 20 years is failing. I am only 31. I am not looking to live forever, but I sure wish there were more donors. I would sure like another 20 years to play on my BX2200 with!

 

[Bird]

Re: Organ \"Harvesting\"

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It all depends on how you look at things.)</font>

I can, at least partially, understand the fear of organ donation or some of the reasons for not doing it, but I'm with you (and I have no reason to expect to ever be a recipient) I may be too old to be a donor when I die, but I've made it clear to my family that if there are any usable parts left, I want'em to go to anyone who can use'em.

Hope your situation goes well.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Organ \"Harvesting\"

NM had an interesting idea, but why not just let them harvest everthing, on anyone, rather than target groups. Its only meat. Die and let live. FMK

 

[thcri]

Re: Organ \"Harvesting\"

I am not so sure I want to stick my 2 cents in on this one? But here it goes. First I think as far as organ donations, it should be up to the individual, and there should be more schooling or teaching on it. There is a lot of people out there dying because of shortage of donations. I am a donor, but if you don't want to be, I like you just as much.

Second, and I may be opening up a new can of worms, but I personally believe our government has thier nose in too many things. As the first post went in this thread to penalise Bikers for not wearing a helmet. The is just one of many laws or rules that most of us don't even know about. So a biker that wishes to keep his body complete gets it ripped apart against his wishes.

So now I am probably in some trouble, but whatever.

Murph

 

[rdricks]

Re: Organ \"Harvesting\"

Murph -

I am in the same boat as you. Although I hope there are plenty of organs available when I need mine, I hope it comes from someone who donates because it is their choice. It is a very personal decision, and although I am most definately biased in one direction, I respect those who chose otherwise. For those who do decide they wish to donate, that wish should be made known to their family, who ultimately will need to make the difficult decision at a very tough time.

 

[Egon]

Re: Organ \"Harvesting\"

It's sort of an individual choice but in my case if someone has use for worn out parts they are welcome to them.

On a more serious note the " organ industry " in less fortunate areas of the world absolutely turns my stomach and the integrity/morality of the people involved in the technical side of operations is absolutely discusting.

Egon