This subject is very sensitive for a lot of people.  Chris Rock has a funny bit about organ donation being the ultimate sign of pessimism.  “What happens if they find a way to bring you back to life and you got no eyes!”  ”Little Jimmie in Kansas has them and you got to go and get them back”. 

Right now in Ontario Canada there is a bill being tabled to allow for “presumed consent”, which is law in about 20 different European countries.  Most think that this type of bill does not have a chance, as it is far too aggressive.  But there is another one being tabled that might just fit the “bill”.  MPP Frank Klees introduced a bill at Queens’s Park last week that would require anyone 16 years of age and older to specify, yes, no or undecided, as to whether they want to donate their organs.  It seems to be a middle ground and should received positive support. 

Organ donations can be referred to as “anatomical gifts.”  All US states have passed some version of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.  This act allows a person to make a gift of organs and tissues during his or her lifetime with the gift to take effect upon death. Family members may also donate organs and tissues of a deceased relative if there is no indication the deceased was opposed to such a donation.