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Readers offer opinions on organ donation
Are you an organ donor? Readers write in to discuss their views on donating organs and whether or not it should be compulsary in Germany.
Less than 20 percent of Germans are organ donors
The following comments reflect the views of DW-WORLD.DE readers. Not all reader comments have been published. DW-WORLD.DE reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.
Project aims to increase organ donation in Germany
Questions: Should organ donation in Germany be compulsory? Are you an organ donor?
Besides conventionally understood organ donations, there is also "bone marrow" donation. While the term itself is antiquated (referencing an older technique of obtaining stem cells from bone marrow) the stem cell harvesting from blood allows for a much more effective and less risky procedure for the donor and the donee. I have donated stem cells twice - once by the bone marrow harpooning and the second more recently by blood/pheresis. My stem cells were taken immediately by a courier to Germany to a woman in Leipzig who, I was informed, was doing fine later. This is "donation" that can cross not only borders but oceans. -- Douglas, US
The day organ donation becomes compulsory (therefore no longer a donation) is the day we enter a brave new world. From birth to death humans ought to have the right to their bodies. This is essential to freedom and democracy. Much better: Campaign to educate people on the benefits of being organ donors. Even better still: Find ways to heal people's organs so that they don't need transplants, or develop artificial organs. There is a negative side to transplants that the proponents of transplants do not talk about. -- Susan, US
Absolutely. You can't use it after you're gone. -- Mike, Facebook
Absolutely, and make sure you talk to your relatives about your wish. -- Granny, Australia
I read yesterday to my disappointment that 65 years of age is the limit. I personally think that is still young. -- Johanna, Spain
I'm a donor. My husband had a living-related liver transplant in 2006. His sister donating 60 percent of her liver (it grows back). Both continue to do fabulously! -- Colleen, Facebook
You bet! Where I live, in California, it is easy to let your wishes be known. My status as an organ donor is right on my driver's license. -- Roslyn, US
Compiled by Stuart Tiffen
Editor: Nancy Isenson
DW recommends
- Date 11.06.2010
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- Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/NoAd
- Date 11.06.2010
- Print Print this page
- Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/NoAd
