I AGREE with Professor Hugh McLachlan’s views on the issue of presumed consent in organ donation (Letters, June 17). However, as I understand it, consent is no more than a humanitarian expression of intent. Organs of a deceased person are the property (lawful possession) of the next of kin. It is only their decision which matters. It is always hoped, of course, that they will comply with the instructions of the deceased relative – but they might not. A present problem is that sometimes these wishes are circumscribed. For example, the deceased may not want their organs to be given to someone of a particular religion, sex, age or colour. I gather this can present difficulties.
Dr William O Thomson, 7 Silverwells Court, Bothwell.
MAY I point out a practical problem with the current system of “opting in”: How do you register as a donor? I gave a pint of blood last week and asked if I could get a new organ donor card. The blood transfusion offices in Nelson Mandela Place do not keep them. They suggested I try my GP surgery and they said I should try my local post office, which I will do. Can someone with the authority please do something now at least to make the present system work?
Richard MacKinnon, Flat 0/1, 131 Shuna Street, Glasgow.
Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.
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