Pros and Cons of Opt-Out in the U.S.

With more than 123,000 people on the national waiting list for organ transplants in the United States, and nearly a third of them dying while waiting for organ transplants due to a shortage of available organs, some have proposed an Opt-Out, or Presumed Consent, system of organ donation to address the critical shortage.  There are compelling arguments for both the pros and cons of this proposal. Those who support it argue the presumed consent system would alleviate the shortage of organ donation resulting in saving more lives. They point out that countries including France, Belgium, Italy, Sweden and others have adopted the opt-out system and, as a result, the percentages of organ donation has increased significantly. The opposition to this approach perceive it as an unwarranted state intrusion into the lives of citizens. By forcing people to opt-out of organ donation, they claim, the state effectively rules that their body is on loan for as long as they live, but after death it belongs to the state.

Although I am a liver transplant recipient and an advocate for organ donation, I have serious concerns about the presumed consent system of organ donation. I worry about the possibility of abuse as well as the perception of the public, especially families who may feel their rights concerning their loved ones remains may be infringed upon. Still, I think it is a subject worth serious debate. It is possible that thoughtful legislation with all of the necessary safeguards may be a superior system to the current opt-in system and result in increased organ donation. 

What are your thought on this issue? I hope my readers will chime in and share your views on this important issue.

http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Organ_donor_opt-out_program