All I have to go by are the numbers. The statistics published by the Gift of Life Network show 67 lung transplants year to date. In 2007 there were 99 and in 2006 there were 83. At this rate the numbers will not exceed 2006.
Supply plays a major role in these numbers - which raises the question of donor registration and whether the Province should enact opt out legislation.
Opt out legislation would establish a "presumed consent" organ donation system. All adults in Ontario would be considered organ donors unless they specifically opt out of the program. This is the exact opposite of the current system in Canada where you have to specifically agree to be an organ donor. As a result, a huge number of organs go unused after death, and people die waiting for a donated organ that could save their lives.
In reading the comments to recent press articles, those against presumed consent out number those in favour by 2 to 1. The biggest concerns seem to be "I don't trust doctors - an unscrupulous doctor could snatch an organ before the donor is dead", "the government should stay out of my life" "People should be allowed to pass away peacefully" and "universal healthcare is not a right to live forever".
What do you think?
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