11% WTF

[karen547]

I heard on the news the other night that only 11% of people are actually donors. This is a sad number! I assume this is just in America but am not sure

[okarol]

Is that how many people have an accidental death that results in donation? Or is it how many people are registered as organ donors? In the US about 11,000 people die under the circumstances where there is brain death and of those about 8,000 go on to be donors.

[karen547]

I'm pretty sure that it was the number of living people who are registered to donate

[RichardMEL]

It wouldn't surprise me.

In an opt-in system it's common that apathy is the majority. We have the same issue in oz. Many people SAY they agree with organ donation, but actually pulling their finger out and signing up... not so good. Thus we (oz) have one of the lowest organ donation rates in the world.

Sad really.

Personally I am all for an opt-out system, but then again I'm a little biased.

[Rerun]

God Bless those 11% of people who are unselfish.  There are people who would no way give up part of them or be cut on for anyone.  Sad but true.

[lunadatura]

are there any states in the USA who have an opt out system?? Seems like that would not be a very hard piece of legislature to accomplish...

[monrein]

Spain has an opt-out system and one of the highest rates of donation as a result.   I would support such a reversed onus system for us here in Ontario, Canada where my city, Toronto has a very low donation rate. 

[Sunny]

California is currently working toward a Living Donor Registry along with a required question on whether a person wants to be an organ donor when applying for a drivers license. Currently the DMV does not ask the question at all. Steve Jobs is working with Governor Swartzineger on this.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14714795?nclick_check=1   

[thegrammalady]

the thing you have to remember is just because you sign a donor card, it doesn't mean your organs will be donated, even if they are viable. your family makes the final decision and if they say ugh! no! there will be no donation. colorado has a wonderful thing called 5 wishes. it's a legal document and will stand up. you give a copy to your hospital and all your doctors. it's an alternative to a dnr. it allows you to state your wishes. i want this done, i don't want this. things as simple as i want this kind of music played while i die. mine says i want any usuable organs donated and my family doesn't get to say no!