There are some who believe the default position for organ donation should require all citizens be considered organ donors. Unless opting out of the program and stating otherwise the donor automatically acquiesces and agrees to donate his or her organs for transplantation into needy recipients.
The default position should remain as it currently is. Only a person of sound mind can make the decision to donate his or her organs. Organ donation is a choice. An individual's choice, to opt in should they choose, free of any government interferences.
How does this differ from a woman's right to choose to carry a pregnancy to term? A woman must make the conscious decision to abort a fetus. The default position is that the pregnancy will carry to term. Government cannot make that decision. Even if it were to deemed to be in the best interests of society.
Organs from one donor may be used to save up to eight additional lives. To allow a government that power over it’s citizenry becomes a disaster waiting to happen. At what point will the needs of the many justify the killing of a few?
If, unless stated otherwise, a deceased’s organs are automatically donated, there always exists the possibility of a government determining that the best interest of society would be served by the death of one person. Opting out allows a government to determine that the death of one person could benefit up to eight others. A government cannot be allowed that determination. Sacrificing freedom of choice opens the doors to abuse and corruption of the system. If the current system is reversed, opting not to donate as opposed to opting in, a population will give their government too much power to determine what would be in the best interest of society.
Organs from one donor may be used to save up to eight additional lives. To allow a government that power over it’s citizenry becomes a disaster waiting to happen. At what point will the needs of the many justify the killing of a few?
If, unless stated otherwise, a deceased’s organs are automatically donated, there always exists the possibility of a government determining that the best interest of society would be served by the death of one person. Opting out allows a government to determine that the death of one person could benefit up to eight others. A government cannot be allowed that determination. Sacrificing freedom of choice opens the doors to abuse and corruption of the system. If the current system is reversed, opting not to donate as opposed to opting in, a population will give their government too much power to determine what would be in the best interest of society.
Morally, it may be the right choice to make. Religiously it may or may not be. Ethically, it is absolutely the wrong choice to be left to the hands of a government bureaucracy.
There is more to the issue than just morality, ethics, and religion.
When the organs from one donor can save up to eight additional lives and a hardened criminal is deemed a menace to society, isn't a logical step in that thought process, kill two birds with one stone? One man is executed to save the lives of others. For the benefit of society. Once the population starts down that road it will be very difficult to turn aside. What could start with the death of a convicted felon could devolve into the deaths of the homeless, non-productive members of society, freethinkers, or those with viewpoints opposed to the government. All for the benefit of society.
The only option available to society is to remain as is, only the individual may make the choice to donate his or her organs.
When the organs from one donor can save up to eight additional lives and a hardened criminal is deemed a menace to society, isn't a logical step in that thought process, kill two birds with one stone? One man is executed to save the lives of others. For the benefit of society. Once the population starts down that road it will be very difficult to turn aside. What could start with the death of a convicted felon could devolve into the deaths of the homeless, non-productive members of society, freethinkers, or those with viewpoints opposed to the government. All for the benefit of society.
The only option available to society is to remain as is, only the individual may make the choice to donate his or her organs.
