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Upcoming Documentaries & Films Compulsory Organ donation - NOT ON MY DEAD BODY
Upcoming Documentaries & Films Compulsory Organ donation - NOT ON MY DEAD BODY
| Compulsory Organ donation - NOT ON MY DEAD BODY |
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Take My Organs – Not on My dead body Sunday Express Donal MacIntyreI have a donor card. It’s my gift, a consciences cleanser to ease my path to God knows where? – but its my choice. The compulsory organ donation (you have to opt out) scheme raised by Gordon Brown this week so runs against the British sense of fair play – that I would tear my card up in protest if it were brought in. We own nothing save our own skin and everything inside – and while I appreciate the need for donors this Government will be dabbling in the `body politic` of Burke n’Hare if it continues to fly this kite. Have we forgotten that the NHS still face claims for stolen body parts of children from over a thousand claimants? Over 105,000 body parts still are being catalogued and processed for return and notification in the national scandal of unauthorised retention and removal of human tissue, that was kick- started at the Alder Hey Children, Hospital in Liverpool. Remember, the organs and body parts of 850 infants were taken and placed without consent in 850 pots by Hospital staff. The medical establishment has not distinguished itself by the respect that it attaches to the dead. And can we really trust them and this Government to handle our body parts better than they handle our data? The gift of donation is a wonderful uplifting choice but to change this generosity into a tax on corpses is a step too far for State intrusion into our lives. This initiative transforms the act of donation into harvesting. If an icon like Alistair Cooke’s body parts can be stolen in a modern day Burke n’Hare theft and used in transplants in this country, one has to ask questions about this growing industry which is seeking ownership of our bodies. Some 40 UK patients are pursuing legal action following the US scandal which saw 1000 bodies including the great broadcaster’s raided in a NY mortuary for use in bone grafts. I myself saw and exposed a body parts sandal in India where heart valves were being taken from the bodies of car crash victims (against the Hindu Faith) and sold onto corrupt heart surgeons. Unwittingly, many patients from the UK received the benefit of a real heart valve and had no idea of its heritage. I saw corrupt doctors and politicians facilitate the manipulation of a system for personal advantage; and while there was some considerable relief to those who need the kidneys or heart valves – the theft of one person’s rights should not be used to improve the life of another. The medical establishment is changing but it is a disturbingly out of tune profession. Two years ago I challenged the General Medical Council about a case of a gynaecologist who was convicted and jailed for the rape and sexual assault a patient who was then allowed back to work after testimonials from his colleagues said that he was a nice bloke and the accuser could not be believed. The GMC put itself ahead of the law courts and displayed the same arrogance that we saw at the core of the Alder Hey scandal. The GMC felt no obligation to inform patients of his past criminal convictions. In the face of such blinkered administration - can we really trust the medical establishment and the Government to run compulsory schemes fairly and with integrity? These are the serious questions that have to be asked. That is my professional view – on a personal basis my mother has sight because of cornea transplants. She has received the gift of sight because some one donated, voluntarily, their eyes to save her sight. Even though my mother can now see now because of the availability corneas for transplanting; I am positive that even she would rail against this compulsory initiative. It is against all good manners, fair play and natural justice. Now I would ask my mother her views on this but she is on Safari aged 67 in South Africa and is unavailable for comment. Doubtless she`s never been more grateful for the gift of sight. End
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