Organ donation is a topic that can cause quite the controversy. To some being an organ donor is one of the most generous things you could ever do. But to others, well they just don’t fully understand the importance of donating your organs and why it’s important. By donating organs you are literally saving thousands of lives. Why would you want to see an innocent person die? Are you that heartless or have you not fully grasped to the importance of this.
Here in the United States, there is a major shortage of organs. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, there is an overwhelming number of people who are in need of a life-saving transplant. 117,000 people to be exact. In a chart constructed by the United Network for Organ, it states that ” 95% of adult Americans support organ donation in theory, but only 54% have actually signed up to be donors.” which is absolutely absurd. Journalist Paul Hsieh says that ”doctors and organ donor advocates are frustrated by the lack of people’s will to donate.” Which is immensely understandable.
There are many organs you can donate. For example, the heart, kidney, and lung can all be donated. In an article titled ” Should The Government Require Your Consent To Be An Organ Donor.” it basically states that organ donor advocates have proposed to change the United States state law. What they are proposing is for hospitals to switch from an ”opt-in” system to an ”opt-out” system. Which is one of the best ideas for them to propose. unless your religion is against it then that law wouldn’t be a problem to uphold. You still people who will try to argue that they have the right to their own body. Which is true but think about all the people you could save. Instead of being ignorant of the fact that people will have your organs, you should really think about the lives that you could save.
Other things people may say is that dont want to be an organ donor is because of their religion. Unless you are a Jehovah’s Witness or Shinto you should still be considered for for the “ opt-in” law. On the website http://www.donorrecovery.org it states that Jehovah’s witnesses “do not believe that when one donates their organs they must make sure all of the blood must be removed first.” they follow this because of their strict rule on blood transfusions. This website also states that Shinto’s believe that messing with dead bodys are a sin and is a very serious crime. To them the body should stay pure and never be disturbed.
Some may argue that “they can’t live/ function without their organs. Witch is totally not true. The myths that people come up with is just a bunch of nonsense. One of the myths is that “ Im too old”. The truth is that you are never to old to be an organ donor, what matters is your health and the condition of your organs are in when you die. Another one is that “ If i’m in a coma they could take my organs.”. The majority of deceased organ donors have to be declared brain dead. Being brain dead is not the same thing as being in a coma ! People anc recover from a coma but being brain dead is final. And lastly is “My family will have to pay for the donation.” There is no cost whatsoever for you to give your organs.
In conclusion, being an organ donor is the human thing to do. You are practically saving thousands of lives. The recipient may be you or even your family members. You should always consider being an organ donor , because you never know who’s in need of one. So it’s very important to have that thought in mind the next time you are asked. Being an organ donor is not a right its the human thing to do.
