Low organ donation rate in Australia is proving a touchy political issue, and there is a push for Australia to introduce an ‘opt-out’ or presumed consent system for organ donation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In this scenario, people would have to register a ‘no’ option, or have their organs automatically deemed available.
The Eden Magnet asked people on the street whether they were currently registered for organ donation and what they thought of the new proposal.
Samantha Siers
Melbourne
I’m 17 and I’m not registered to donate organs. I think the new system is a bad idea, because the family also have a say in it. You might be dead, but your body is still you, so basically there are other people who are involved in the decision.
Diane Whittock
Boydtown
I am registered to have my organs taken, and I think the opt-out system would be much better, because it would make more people talk about the issue. Right now most people don’t bother to. And the issue is so important. Donating organs can be a life-changing event, giving people a healthy future.
Chris Trewin
Geelong
I’m not a registered donor but I always thought I should. I think it’s important, and I’ve discussed it with my wife, but I haven’t got around to doing anything yet. I support assumed consent. If I was killed in an accident I would definitely want someone to take my heart, to give to someone else.
Carmen Kettels
Raymond Island
I’ve always said ‘yes’ to organ donation but I’m not sure if anything is recorded. It’s hard to tell how to record it, or where to go to do it. I think this new system would make things much easier and would be good. You wouldn’t have to worry about it; you just know that when you die your organs are taken. Why not?
Dean Adams
Eden
I’m not registered as a donor. My wife has hassled me to do it, but I’m not sure how I feel about it. I’m not against organ donation, but it’s a personal choice. I think the proposed new system is a hard one. I think a lot of people are scared to give permission. We need to know more about how it’s done, if they go about it the right way.
Jordan Young
Eden
No, I’m not a registered organ donor. And I’m not sure about the new system. Someone might say its ok to take organs, but then their circumstances might change, like their religion. Or their family might not like the idea of body parts being scattered everywhere. I personally support organ donation, but the assumption that you can take my organs is disturbing.
Ted Cleary
Cairns
I am a registered donor, and it’s on my driver’s licence. But I’m not supportive of the opt-out system. I think a lot of people won’t like it, for example a family that later discovers a loved-one’s organs have been taken without their knowledge. This would be especially terrible if the family was in a religion that was against it, such as Seventh Day Adventists or Mormons.
