I’ll Give You Mine, If You Give Me Yours

Tens of thousands of people are saved each year by organ transplants but about 60% of the recipients have not agreed to donate their own organs.  In other words, they are willing to take but not willing to give.

To remedy the unfairness of this situation, the non-profit organization entitled LifeSharers provides that registered donors get the first choice of other registered donor’s organs.   As described in David J. Undis, Put those willing to donate organs at top of recipients’ list, Tennessean.com, April 1, 2006:

LifeSharers members agree to donate their organs when they die, and they direct that their organs be offered first to fellow members before being offered to the general public. This is legal under federal law and under the laws of all 50 states. By directing their organs first to registered organ donors, LifeSharers members create a powerful incentive for others to register as organ donors and join the network. This incentive is the key to reducing the organ shortage and saving lives.

Follow this link to view an ABC News Report on this situation which aired on December 10, 2006.