http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16168928
Is it right to keep the dead or dying alive in order to keep their organs? This is a new question on the subject of organ donation that has recently come to light.
The British Medical Association has explained that three people a day currently die while awaiting a suitable organ from a donor, and have suggested keeping patients on artificial ventilators in order to keep their organs in 'prime condition for transplantation.'
Despite the debate being fresh, the idea isn't a new one.
This method, which has been named 'elective ventilation' is already used in America and was used for several years here in the UK until the Department of Health outlawed it in 1994.
There are a few issues here that fall under the ethical umbrella but for me the main one is whether there is a choice at all. If the patient had pre-agreed to donating their organs and the possibility of being 'kept alive' in order to use them in the most effective way, then where is the problem?
But if for example this was an 'opt-out' situation, then i feel the method is less about encouraging people to donate and more about taking advantage.
For medical staff the issue must tough to fully accept too. Where normally there is an emphasis on turning off the machines, there would have to be a complete U-turn in order to allow patients to be kept alive.
It also poses the question for family and friends: when do you say goodbye?
It is important to be able to have a say over your own body, whether you want to be kept in tact or offer it all. This is an interesting and important debate that clearly needs to be brought to the attention of the public. As Dr Tony Calland, chairman of the BMA said: "As a society we need to decide whether we should accept that we have done all we can or whether we should move forward cautiously." What do you think?
Related Articles: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Doctors-transplant-brain-dead-patients-kidneys-two-lives-saved/articleshow/11946171.cms
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/bma-considers-organ-donor-boost-options-6841647.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/9079415/Nudge-dont-shove.html
Seems a bit creepy really
ReplyDeleteAnother issue would be whether the artificial ventilators used were needed to keep other patients alive who would have a chance of recovery. Regrettably but inevitably, there are always cost issues in these cases and these machines don't come cheap.
ReplyDeleteThere is a balance to be struck here and I'm not sure we are getting it right at the moment. The losers are the ones who desperately need transplants. We have a duty in our Society to support the needy and the balance has not swung far enough to support the people who need organ donation. I'd urge our MPs to push through legislation to increase this support and if elective ventilation is one way to help this, then I firmly support elective ventilation.
ReplyDeleteIt's not creepy it's helping a person get their life back.
Are you signed up for Organ donation ianesq?
DeleteGod bless donors who give their organs to save others lives
ReplyDeleteyes I am a donor. If you go on to the NHS website there's a form you can complete it takes about 3 minutes.
ReplyDeleteSimples! The job's a good'un.