[Seahag]

I just read about this organization in this mornings paper. They are an organization to ensure that donor organs are given first consideration to other people who've chosen to become organ donors. If their facts are straight, 70% of organ donor recipients, choose not to be organ donors themselves. I find that disturbing that they can be so selfish as to not offer to give the gift of life in return, for what they are willing to take.

I've been a donor since I was able to drive. Here in Minnesota, you just check a box on your drivers license application and the information is on the license. I figure when I'm dead, and riding in God's posse, I'll have no need for these things...and if it can save someones life I'd be honored to help....especially if they're not some gang banging, violent offender.

As motorcyclist, we do take upon ourselves a slightly higher risk of becoming a donor. I encourage you to join lifesharers to see that the most giving of people are given first crack at extended life.

http://www.lifesharers.com/

[SK]

That's an interesting point. I wrote a paper last semester on organ transplants and one of the things I thought should be done is you can't recieve an organ unless you're on the list to donate. Makes plenty of sense to me. Now..many who need one aren't necesarily going to make a good donor, but should at least make themselves eligible to donate just in case.

Should a person be allowed to sell a kidney (when you have two viable ones)?

[Sleepy]

Originally Posted by SK

Should a person be allowed to sell a kidney (when you have two viable ones)?

probably not a good idea...it may be defective and a person might get sued by the recipient under the anti lemon laws.

[Seahag]

Originally Posted by Sleepy

probably not a good idea...it may be defective and a person might get sued by the recipient under the anti lemon laws.

I'm sure thats the case in the affected organs...but someone with a failing liver because he drinks too much doesn't necessarily have bad eyesight....and they do cornea transplants and such that can help people regain their vision.

[SK]

Originally Posted by Seahag

...but someone with a failing liver because he drinks too much doesn't necessarily have bad eyesight...

That's another great point..should an alcoholic be eligible for a liver transplant? I'm not so sure about that..at least keep em near the bottom of the list behind folks who are trying to stay in good health.

[Killer-B]

Yep, I am a firm believer an being an organ donor. Seeing how I have always rode motorcycles, I have always checked the ‘donor’ box on my license, knowing that I may become another statistic.
All my parts should be in good shape, except for maybe my liver.
Something I was thinking, when would it be considered to be to old to donate? I mean, would you really want an 55 or 60 year old eye or kidney?
Anyway, I don’t know if it’s a good idea to make you have to donate in order to receive an organ, there are some good people out there who may still not know about the donor program and then there are those that cant or would not be a good candidate to give, because of various diseases and what-not.
My .02

[chucktx]

the only drawback i see is.......if the insurance doesnt cover all the costs, they go back on the donors to recoup the costs, which arnt cheap......so if you are a donor, be sure to check your insurance, or you may leave your family and estate in deep debt.......just a thought here......
chuck

[Killer-B]

Your right Chucktx, that is a big problem in some states, I think different states have different laws on Donor-ship. It makes some people not want to donate, the burden of the cost for those that don’t have enough money in the first place.

[Sleepy]

I was just kidding about the lemon laws pertaining to the organ being donated. I do have to ask though, is it for real that the "donor" would have to pay for the transplant should the recipient not be able to pay for it all?

[Killer-B]

Yep, I think it all depends on your states donor laws. I, nor my family, has any money in the first place, so, if 'they' want any of my parts, their on their own as far as bearing the cost of digging the parts out.

Parts are just parts right? Or are not all parts created equal.

I have no idea what the laws are up in Canada, isn’t medical free up there, or is that England?

[chucktx]

actually both have to pay,,,,,,and dearly. everybody involved in the removal and installation process gets their unfair share......it is sad, but just one more reason i dislike insurance, lawyers,doctors.........the fleecing of america continues............right under our noses
chuck

[Killer-B]

I couldn't have said it better myself. It has gone from one of the ultimate gifts of giving, to, the money game; the who’s going to benefit the most monetarily.

[FLHTbiker]

I saw a interesting documentary on I believe was discovery channel about how China was selling donor organs. The story was about executing prisoners and the doctors standing by with their organ boxes. As soon as one was shot they would go to work cutting out the organs. They then sold these organs to individuals around the world even to people in the U.S. for large amounts of money. Something wrong with the whole thing if you ask me.

[chucktx]

the concept is great, there just needs to be some refining done to the idea. i wouldnt want the govt to do the policing,nor the med.commuity. some sort of org that could be trusted to handle the donor system.........yea right, like your gonna find one that aint in it for the money...sad, sad, sad. its a shame that a little green piece of paper runs most peoples lives. i gotta stop now....before i fall off my box!!!!! lol lol........
chuck

[SK]

Originally Posted by FLHTbiker

China was selling donor organs.

Yeah..I read about that in my research for the paper I did on organ transplants last semester. Seems anybody who's anybody in China had no problem getting an organ if needed. Makes you wonder if some bigwig in govt needs a kidney..word is sent to the prison (w/proper blood type, etc) and viola..here's your kidney.

[Sleepy]

Originally Posted by Killer-B

Yep, I think it all depends on your states donor laws. I, nor my family, has any money in the first place, so, if 'they' want any of my parts, their on their own as far as bearing the cost of digging the parts out.

Parts are just parts right? Or are not all parts created equal.

I have no idea what the laws are up in Canada, isn’t medical free up there, or is that England?

As it is right now there is no cash outlay for basic services..transplants have a long waiting list. We have private insurance as well ..for those who don't want to wait..before they'd fly south..now they can get it here...Medical up this way is relatively affordable.. but not free..nothing is free.

[SK]

Originally Posted by Sleepy

..nothing is free.

Amen to that!