OPT OUT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN ENGLAND. - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

55,197 members65,968 posts

OPT OUT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN ENGLAND.

Hacienda profile image
37 Replies

At Last The Government has now Passed the Transplant Clause to "OPT OUT" as from 2020, I couldn't transfer the Post to here, I have been able to The Birmingham Transplant Forum. I & Millions of others Signed The Petition it is now going to be called "Max's Law" after The Little Boy who approached Teresa May after his Heart Transplant. Great News for those of us who may benefit. Carolina . XXXX

Written by
Hacienda profile image
Hacienda
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
37 Replies

Just been watching that on TV..not sure how to view that but it would take the total awkwardness for medical people having to ask loved oneso at at tragic time or take away any feeling of regret or even guilt on relatives who would want to volunteer loved ones organs

A difficult one. Whilst I truly support voluntary organ donation I have serious misgivings about government having rights to our body. The opt out clause presumes that everyone realises that this could happen if they do not opt out but not everyone would have the knowledge or ability to do it.

As I said-a difficult one.

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to

Other European Countries have always had this and their Transplant rate is Much higher & More successful than England, Wales have also made the Increase since the OP OUT, Scotland have yet to Come on Board, As a Waiting Transplant Patient, I am Joyous for this News as thousands of Other families have been waiting for the Opt Out. No If's and's or But's here. xxx

y_not profile image
y_not in reply to

I fail to see any difficulty. "Government having rights to our body" - already the government can reuse burial plots after 75 years … isn't that having rights over our bodies (without an issue)?

I might have concerns if government made a decision about say a kidney transplant from a live donor but that isn't in the question.

If my body can help some other poor soul then I have absolutely no issue with it whatsoever and, for anyone that does, they can always opt out (and if they don't understand about opting out then their friends/neighbours/carers/family have failed them anyway).

I (luckily) don't need a transplant but have been frustrated for years that I have to carry a card, sign up to websites and ensure family know that my "bits" are available for anyone that can benefit from them (including medical research!)

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to y_not

Thank You y-not, Yes I agree with you . I too am an Organ Donor aswell as a waiting recipitent. I also wanted to go forward for Medical Research, Was told either Organ Donation, OR Research , can't do Both, Seems a waste , as after Donation, surely there are Bits that can be Helpful for up & coming Research Scientists, XXX

in reply to y_not

You feel your your way,I feel mine. My daughter has donated her whole body for transplant or medical research in her will. That's the way she feels.

BSA-3 profile image
BSA-3 in reply to y_not

Hi, just to say that I echo your thoughts entirely

Katinka46 profile image
Katinka46 in reply to

Interesting. Actually no one has rights to their own dead body. We can make our wishes clear about funerals or organ donation but once we die decisions about disposal etc is down to our next of kin and families. Very much in favour of “opt out”. As I drove to the hospital after my BB’s accident I was already forming an approach to the doctors about organ donation as I knew that was what my BB had wanted and carried a donor card. By pre-empting the possibility I was hoping to save the difficulties of the doctors in approaching me. Carrying a donor card does not automatically lead to it happening, the next of kin has the final say. At the moment, anyway.

K x

Katinka46 profile image
Katinka46 in reply to Katinka46

P.S. By the way for those who don’t know my story he survived, is still with us but considerably disabled.

in reply to Katinka46

In the case of opt out the control would be taken from the next of kin and put into the hands of the government. This is what makes me uncomfortable with opt out. I just hope that everyone makes their wishes known well before they die. It is unfortunate that all campaigns to increase voluntary donation by the person concerned have produced very poor results so far.

skischool profile image
skischool

i am afraid to say i have to agree with littlepom on this subject and with my rapidly failing lungs i would be one of those most likely to benefit from the proposed changes.i have no problem in donating what bits of me could be useful to others but apart from research purposes i don't think i have anything left that is recyclable but each to their own opinion as others have stated.

Ski's and Scruff's xxx

Katinka46 profile image
Katinka46 in reply to skischool

I understand that age is no barrier for bits of us. When I read that I was surprised. But in light of that information I still carry my card. They’re welcome.

K xx

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Good idea. They are welcome to my lungs, my bad eyes, my liver, and my heart (I haven't got one. x

moogle profile image
moogle

Really wish everyone had to choose yes or no. No opt in/opt out .. a plain proactive choice you had to make. With the ability to change your mind.

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda

WOW, What a Mixed Response. Well, I did share to Freeman & QE Transplant Forums, The Responses where very Different....More Positive I would Say. Hope your all having a Lovely Sunday in this Glorious Weather XXX Now Breathe . xxx

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Hi Carolina, 😄

I have read about this system going to happen in England. I am very interested in it. However, I also know this system would never work in a country like Japan. There is just so much taboo surrounding organ donation after death. In some Buddhist beliefs only people who live a decent life and have all their organs in good condition go on to another life. I am not certain , but I think for orthodox jews, organ donation goes against some of the Jewish laws like Kavod Hamet (honoring of the dead). But, that is slowly changing too.

I do believe little by little organ donation in Japan is on the rise. It is however, a slow, slow increase. I think there is a fear of jinxing one's life by discussing death. And so the subject is often "put off" for as long as possible resulting in many cases, these discussions do not happen at all. When I was a young girl, I was once caught with a white ribbon in my hair. I was told to remove it immediately as it was a sign of mourning and thus death and could inadvertently cause a death in the family. 😐 Taboo at it's best.

Although I know it may potentially increase the availability of organs and more lives may be saved, I personally would not want to accept an organ that has been given to me unwillingly no matter how desperately I need it. It would have to be the wish of the donor or at least their family. It is a very tricky situation to be in, so it is important to make our wishes known and hope they will be honoured as much as possible.

Just my two cents. 😊😀

Love to you Carolina.

Cas xx 🍹🐞

Katinka46 profile image
Katinka46 in reply to Caspiana

Thanks Cas. I remember your saying before that organ donation is a tricky subject in Japan. All interesting stuff.

I am not sure that the “opt out” rule would result in unwilling donors. It certainly shouldn’t. What concerns me with the current situation is that even if a person carries a donor card and has told his family what he wants that wish can still be overruled by the family.

Obviously everyone would need to know about and be aware of any changes to the system.

Love to you and Chom

Kate xxxx

in reply to Caspiana

Very interesting Cas. The increase in available organs that opt out would create is good of course but I would be deeply troubled by how that came about. In the UK I feel that a change in the law which still allows relatives to refuse the organs even if the deceased has indicated that they want to donate them is what is badly needed. But a mandatory right of the authorities to take any deceased and all that follows, without the expressed wishes, before death,of the deceased, is, to me, just wrong.

It will be interesting to see how many opt out.

I know that what I am saying could upset some of my friends who like you are waiting for available organs but I really do not agree with those in authority having the right to do this without the express consent of the person.

Much love to you and little Chom from two very overheated little poms in this house.

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to Caspiana

Hi Cas my Dear Transplant Friend, I profess to Know Nothing about Religeous Taboos. Sorry my Love I don't mean to Offend. I do Know through all my Contacts, before & After Transplant that we are Celebrating the "Opt Out" of which we have signed a Petition that was Presented to The Government here and has been accepted, even though it is for 2020, it is not a case Of taking Organs as they still have to be "Agreed" by The family, A family can still Object to Removal of Organs. Which is why BLF are always offering Lots of Advice for this Scenario. If you carry a Donor Card , I Do, Then your family would Know this is what you want to do. I have asked all My families and They would go ahead and agree to Removal for Donation. Too much can be interpreted wrongly, and get lost in Translation. Anyway, I am happy for this New "Max's Law" and welcome it WholeHeartedly. Cas, I do hope your Well and Your daughter, and Of Course Chom. Love to You All my friend. Love n Hugs . Carolina XXXXXX

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to Hacienda

My dear Carolina, 🌻🌸

Please believe me, I was not offended at all. 😀 Thank you very much for this information. It is always good to hear news re: transplant. So, please don't apologise. *HUG*

I have been meaning to ask if you know if any online transplant forums in the U.K.? Thanks in advance.

Love,

Cas xx 🙋🐕🐾

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to Caspiana

Good Morning Cas , it is 6.34 am, I have only just read your reply from last night, I was zzzzzz ing. Ha Ha. Yes, The Best one is Freeman Transplant Hospital in Newcastle, They are a Good Friendly Group, at the moment they have been competing in the Transplant Games and all doing very well from 3 year olds to 70 year olds. Although I am going to QE Birmingham, their Group isn't as full as "The Freeman" for Information. let me know if you Join. have a Great Start to a New Week. Love n Hugs Cas. Carolina XXXXX

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to Hacienda

Hi Carolina. Thank you for that. 😀 You don't have a link do you (for the support group)? You have a lovely week too. xx 🙋🐕

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to Caspiana

Hi Cas, my Dear, I have been out all Day, Just got back on my Computer. I can't share to you the Link as I'm not sure how, But this is The Address you can type in Search :

Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association (FHLTA), Hope you can Register easily. Let me know if you can. Love n Hugs . Carolina XXXX

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Hacienda

may i assist Carino

fhlta.org.uk/

besos Ski's xx

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to skischool

Gracias Carino, Sure Caspiana will pick up on this link. Love n Hugs, Y Besos a ti y Scruffieta. XXXX

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to Hacienda

Thank you Carolina. xx 🙋

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to skischool

Thank you Skis. xx 😊

Helen6 profile image
Helen6

Accepting that there will be differing views on this subject, it's really good that it will generate discussion amongst many people who have not previously talked to family or friends about their views on organ donation. When transplant was mentioned as an option for me, the first thing I did was to register as a donor. After all, how could I consider receiving an organ if I was not willing to be a donor. In discussion with my family, I now know that they are also in favour of being donors but before this happened to me, we had never discussed the subject.

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to Helen6

Good Morning Helen,

Yes, You are so right. I became an Organ Donor when I passed my Driving Test many Years ago so a I have always carried The Card , The I renewed it few years ago when I too became aware of Transplant. As a Large family , (in laws in UK) they have all now become Donors due to my Deteriorating Condition. My family in Spain also have Donor Cards, though The "Opt Out" has been in place in Europe for Many Years with a Higher Successful Transplant Rate than here. More families should Discuss this, maybe they will now.

My Breathe easy Group do Lots of little things to raise money for BLF, which leads on to general chats with Folk re organ Donation, I would like to think those Chats Work. The next " Big Sponsor" is My Hubby having his long Locks shawn off on 30th August all proceeds going to BLF. It will be a big Event at our Local Pub and the Community will have a great pleasure seeing their favourite Bar Man Become a "Bald Bar Man" we have already raised about £400, More on the day, as I will be Colouring his Hair in the Morning a Lovely Rainbow Colour so the children can be involved. OOps , Gone on a Bit. Got carried away, Ha ha . Love n Hugs , Carolina XXXXXXX

Ergendl profile image
Ergendl

I have no problems with parts of my body being used after death. When I'm dead I won't be needing it anyway - it's just another form of recycling. The natural world runs on that.

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to Ergendl

Well said Hun XXX

clematis5932 profile image
clematis5932

I have no problem with opting out. I have been carrying a card agreeing to my organs being used in the case of my death for many ,many, years . We as a family are all in agreement with donating whatever organs can be used after our deaths. To me it is a no brainer, in fact I believe its selfish not to want others to benefit after my death I do not even think of the government playing a part only in as much as if I want to opt out .

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to clematis5932

Thank You Clematis, My Thoughts also. XXXX

Dragonmum profile image
Dragonmum

Dust we are and to dust we must return. If bits of what's ;eft of me are of any use to anyone then they are welcome. Opt-out has been happening here in Wales for some time, no fuss or bother. My only concern is they might start a trade in spare parts - that's OK too as long as the cash goes to the NHS. Just my thoughts .

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to Dragonmum

Thank you Dragonmum. So True. XXXX

MarieW-F profile image
MarieW-F

As i understand it your family would still have the right to say no and at the moment there’s a 50% rate of families saying no even if loved one was on the register. Why should they have the ability to override your wishes? The choice you have made. Anything happens to me and they say no to donation I’ll be making sure there’s a clause in my will that cuts them off 😉

Sorry that’s gone slightly off topic but I still think the big issue is family consent.

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to MarieW-F

So Right Marie. XXXX

You may also like...

IS HE GOING TO SLIDE OUT OF THIS ONE?!

My friends may remember that in June 2021 I went to have a pacemaker inserted. During the procedure

Watch out Covid about…

in hoppy now and on antiviral and antibiotic drugs so hopefully a good outcome soon. Transplant...

Getting closer to what's happening

seeing a gastroligist at the hospital and the week after I'm having what the call a hydrogen test...

Has this happened to anyone else?

Weird thing ever happened to me

my health. What happened is after my family developed a viral cough. After I woke up the next day...