By: Emily Carter
Updated: Jan. 7, 2017
Originally Published: Jan. 6, 2017
Recently, while rummaging through my wallet, my 9-year-old son found my driver’s license. After sharing a laugh over my photo and confirming my details, he suddenly turned serious and asked, “Mom, are you really an organ donor like it says here?” I replied affirmatively, and a moment of silence followed before he asked, “Which organs have you donated?” This sparked an enlightening conversation about the importance of organ donation—one punctuated with some morbid humor typical of a curious boy’s mind. I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss my intentions regarding organ donation with him and the family members who were nearby.
In the United States, we operate under an “opt-in” system for organ donation, where citizens must actively consent to donate their organs through state registries or during the issuance of ID cards or driver’s licenses. In contrast, many other nations, including France, have implemented an “opt-out” system. As of January 1 this year, all French citizens are automatically considered organ donors unless they specifically register to decline, a system known as “presumed consent.” This progressive law promotes national solidarity, allowing organ donation unless an individual has explicitly stated otherwise.
Despite several attempts by U.S. lawmakers to adopt similar legislation, these efforts have consistently stalled. Research indicates that countries with opt-out systems typically witness an increase in organ donations. However, medical ethicists emphasize that the involvement of family members is crucial in both opt-in and opt-out scenarios. Arthur Caplan, the director of the Division of Medical Ethics at New York University, highlighted this in an interview, noting that family discussions about organ donation preferences are vital.
A 2013 study by Health and Human Services found that approximately 95% of Americans supported organ donation. Furthermore, among those not registered, 60% indicated a willingness to sign up. Under a presumed consent system, those unregistered individuals would automatically be considered donors, simplifying the process if they had communicated their wishes to their families.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, someone is added to the national transplant waiting list every 10 minutes, and sadly, about 22 people die each day while awaiting a transplant. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and since tracking began, over 500,000 individuals have been saved through organ transplants.
If you haven’t yet registered as an organ donor, it’s a simple process. Take a moment with your family to visit the United Network for Organ Sharing website together. Discuss your wishes openly with loved ones, ensuring they understand your intentions, which can provide comfort during difficult times. Despite advancements in medical technology and donor awareness, the disparity between patients in need and available donors remains significant. Let’s work to close that gap—register today to become an organ donor.
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Summary
The article advocates for the U.S. to adopt an opt-out organ donation system similar to France’s presumed consent model. It discusses the importance of family communication in organ donation decisions and highlights the pressing need for more donors, given the high number of patients awaiting transplants. By encouraging open discussions and registrations, the aim is to bridge the gap between those in need and potential donors.