Proposed Presumed Consent Bill on Organ Donations


Manitoba MLA Steven Fletcher has tabled a Private Members Bill in the Legislature proposing presumed consent for organ donations.  Fletcher uses his own experience as justification for the proposal.  In 1996, Fletcher was in a car collision with a moose.  The experience has left him paralyzed from the neck down, but it could have been much worse.  Fletcher remembers being close to death and unable to speak for himself and if he had passed, his organs would have gone to waste.

A similar law passed in Wales has resulted in 24% more organ transplants.

I really don't know how I feel about this law, but, I tend to be the type of person who doesn't want government telling us what to do with our bodies.  I just think government controls so much of our lives that are bodies are our last place where we can exercise choice.  I don't think anyone would want government mandating c-sections of babies who may be born above 6 lbs, for example.  This may be extreme, but it is also a slippery slope.  Leave government out of of our bodies and let us take the responsibility for making our own informed choices.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for benefiting my fellow man and that is why I have also checked off "yes" to being an organ donor since my driver's licence.  In addition, I have told everyone significant in my life that this is my wish.  I have had this conversation and other end-of-life treatment questions with those who would likely be in the position to care for me.  I want them to act consistent with my wishes and I have made my wishes known.

That is why I think this is the wrong way to go about accomplishing what is intended here.  Fletcher's Bill is trying to make all usable organs available for transplant if they become unexpectedly available. I think the better way is to increase education about the benefits of organ donation.   Make people want to donate their organs.  Make people care about others so that they are motivated to save lives.  Encourage people to have conversations with their loved ones about "what ifs".  If you are contemplating a relationship with someone, wouldn't you like to know what kind of person they really are.  You may know about them from having this conversation rather than the fact that they take you on elaborate dates.

It would have been tragic is Steven Fletcher had passed and his organs were wasted.  However, as a healthy 20something year old man involved in high risk sports and activities, it was not good planning on his part to not make his wishes known.

Private member's Bill don't often pass in the Legislature but I hope this one accomplishes what is its intent.  I hope the discussion prompts all Manitobans to make their own decision and those who are able, decide definitively to become organ donors.  Manitobans are known for giving and what can be a more significant gift than the gift of life.

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