Bill would make Coloradans organ donors by default

[harvey007]

Source: AP

Colorado's proposal, introduced in the Legislature last week, would change the process for renewing driver's licenses and ID cards so applicants are assumed to be organ and tissue donors unless they initial a statement that says they want to opt out.

Applicants would see a statement that says, "You are automatically deemed to have consented to being an organ and tissue donor and this designation will appear on your driver's license or identification card."

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gL0pJ5vxORDnSLe4aIP8_87apCDQ?docId=4c816e51ca9242229d6838fd589c1d2d

[applegrove]

1. That is a good idea.

[wclarkfan_1978]

6. +1

[hlthe2b]

2. Works for me, though it has been part of the motor vehicle license

process for decades and I actually think the DMV folks to be pretty good at making sure eveyone is asked whether they wish to be a donor and whether you want to donate an extra $1 with your license renewal to go towards some process associated with the donor program (I said yes, so quickly, I didn't really listen--LOL).

But, I have no problem with doing this.

[Maine_Nurse]

3. I hope it works, sort of...

We are always so short of organs that anything to increase donation is great, but I also have to say this would appear to violate informed consent laws. On the other hand, those things are in no way binding anyways and the patient or family still has to give real consent later.

[joshcryer]

4. The difference between "do you want to be an organ doner" and "do you not want to be an organ doner"

...is massive. Huge.

Here's an excellent TED talk that talks about irrational behavior: http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_ariely_asks_are_we_in_control_of_our_own_decisions.html

edit: organ donation is 5 mins in, the talk is really good though

[pasto76]

5. I was an organ donor. But now IM not

Ive received all of the anthrax vaccinations. Ive also been exposed to depleted uranium. I wouldnt give my organs to anyone with that shit in there. We had a baby last summer. I was extremely anxious until she was born that there would be a problem in her development. Thankfully she was fully cooked!