Respecting the wishes of the dead

[Doobs]

I went through something like this earlier this year where there were still discussions around cremation/burial etc despite instructions in the will. 

But this seems a much bigger step further to me.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35304105

1 in 7 people who died as registered donors had their wishes overturned by family members after their death.


Specialist nurse James Hardie, from St Mary's Hospital in London, said: "Families sometimes override their relative's wishes because they perhaps did not know that person was on the register.

"They find it distressing that they did not know their loved one as well as they thought."

But he added: "The consequence of refusal is that people die as a result - that is the unfortunate reality of the situation.

"If somebody refuses the opportunity for their loved one to become an organ donor, somebody potentially goes without a transplant."

The British Medical Association said families should be strongly encouraged to respect the views of the deceased.

But it said that in the small number of cases where they had such strong and sustained opposition it was likely to cause them severe distress, donation might be inappropriate.

I know I'd be dead by then so it really isn't going to make a jot of difference to me at the time, but I'd be pretty angry if my family didn't respect my wishes on something as important as this.  What use is my kidney to me after I have died? 

I can understand grief is overwhelming and it is hard to think straight at the time, but just get a grip and respect their wishes.   

[DungBeetle]

I'm surprised families can over ride in this situation?

[AdamM]

Me, MrsM and both kids are registered to be chopped up and dispersed as necessary.
I'm sure if we all went at the same time it'd be a horrible position for the family left behind, but they are all aware that's our wishes.

Important to let wider family know I guess.

[nirvana]

I'm surprised families can over ride in this situation?

Definitely can. Often talk from donor campaigns about trying to change law in this area

[DaveShoelace]

I'm amazed they are allowed to override a clear expression of wish like that. Especially as 'last wishes of the dead' you would think of as being sacred.

Completely understand why a bereaved person might not want a loved one be harvested so soon after dying, so this is not a comment on the bereaved but those that allow the donation to be veto'd - it is basically just another example of this trend in society that seems to think that protecting people's feelings is more important than other liberties, in this case the saving of other people's lives.

[MintTrav]

I'm amazed they are allowed to override a clear expression of wish like that. Especially as 'last wishes of the dead' you would think of as being sacred.

Completely understand why a bereaved person might not want a loved one be harvested so soon after dying, so this is not a comment on the bereaved but those that allow the donation to be veto'd - it is basically just another example of this trend in society that seems to think that protecting people's feelings is more important than other liberties, in this case the saving of other people's lives.

Why? Not especially about organ donation, but why are last wishes of the dead sacred?

[DaveShoelace]

I'm amazed they are allowed to override a clear expression of wish like that. Especially as 'last wishes of the dead' you would think of as being sacred.

Completely understand why a bereaved person might not want a loved one be harvested so soon after dying, so this is not a comment on the bereaved but those that allow the donation to be veto'd - it is basically just another example of this trend in society that seems to think that protecting people's feelings is more important than other liberties, in this case the saving of other people's lives.

Why? Not especially about organ donation, but why are last wishes of the dead sacred?

I'm not saying I personally think they are more sacred than any other wish, but there is a lot of terminology that implies there is a certain importance to them. 'Dying wish' 'last wishes' 'made him promise on his deathbed' etc

[Marky147]

Not sure they'd want any of my organs, but I'll donate mine to science, and let them carve me up.

[Longines]

Wouldn't wish my corneas on any other poor bugger but the whole family know everything else better be offered.

[BorntoBubble]

I have just put a message out to family that they dare try and revoke this then i will haunt them.

Awful that this can be overturned. To me it is only the same as me saying where i want my assets liability's, to go after i die.

[DaveShoelace]

Personally I'm a big fan of the idea where everyone automatically is registered as a donor and it is up to them to opt out if they are opposed to it (Maybe possibly with the exception of eye donations and whatnot, just in case the family went for the open casket).

[maccol]

Personally I'm a big fan of the idea where everyone automatically is registered as a donor and it is up to them to opt out if they are opposed to it (Maybe possibly with the exception of eye donations and whatnot, just in case the family went for the open casket).

I think this system has just been legislated for in Wales.