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| Region pushes for mandatory organ donation |
By Katie Strachan The Oshawa Express Nearly 1,700 Ontarians were waiting for organ transplants last year, states the Trillium Gift of Life Network. And Durham Regional Council is taking the next step in an attempt to ensure that number decreases. R e c e n t l y they voted in favour of recommending to higher levels of g o v e r n m e n t that every eligible person be an automatic organ donor upon death unless they specifically opt out ahead of time. This is all in an effort to address the chronic shortage of organ donations in the province. While the controversial recommendation was discussed at a recent health and social services meeting, it gained just enough supporters to pass at regional council. Twelve of the regional councillors voted in favour of passing the motion, while 11 opposed it.“I’m appalled. It’s another example of a feel-good emotional vote,” says Councillor Robert Lutczyk, who opposed the motion, adding some religions don’t believe in organ donation. There is going to be a whole hornets nest opened up with this.” As of now, those wishing to be organ donors must fill out an organ donor consent form. However, even if one fills that out, a family member can choose to override the d e c e a s e d ’ s wishes and the organs won’t be harvested. At the health c o m m i t t e e meeting, councillors agreed the current legislation needs some work, adding that family members should not be able to override a person’s decision.“I think it would have been a slam dunk,” says Councillor Lutczyk of recommending that family cannot override the deceased’s decision instead of the motion that was passed. “That’s the end of the story. It would have made everyone happy.” Councillor April Cullen says the issue of making sure families can’t override a person’s decision may be brought up in an upcoming health committee meeting.“The existing system needs to be addressed,” she says, adding she was happy that the recommendation at regional council passed. The recommendation will now be forwarded to the Canadian Transplant Association, the Trillium Gift of Life network, all Durham region municipalities, the regional health and social services committee, the Ontario Municipal Association and MPPs for Ajax- Pickering and Scarborough East-Pickering. It will also be forwarded to the premier, the minister of health and long-term care and Durham MPs and MPPs. |
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©2009 Dowellman Publishing Corp, All Rights Reserved
