The Essence of Organ Donation

Organ donation- It’s not something we all think about, probably because we’ve never felt the need to. I didn’t even know a thing like this existed really, till some time back. I knew the idea of transplants was something doctors used when a person’s body started giving up on him/her. However, I never really thought people would decide that one day, after they’re dead, they are ready to give away their own organs to be stocked until somebody could use them in the future. I was pretty intrigued by the concept of letting someone scrape-out every inch of you, to give somebody else a few more years. And that’s why I did a little research, and decided to tell you what I found.

There are 100,000 people deprived of viable organs in the USA alone! And though the concept of organ donation has been accepted by twice the amount of people that agreed 20 years ago, the requirements for these organs has also multiplied, but by a much larger number. With numerous acts and legal policies to preserve every country’s culture and system, there is a term called opt-in that gives doctors the green signal to take your help to save another man’s life. However, some countries actually have a separate term, opt-out where until you don’t say otherwise, you are automatically a donor. That’s the factual part of it, but what about the sentiments of those who decide to donate, and those who are in need of the donation?

When a loved one is on their death bed, or in a state that might lead them to that stage, it is so because the body isn’t able to work the way it should to sustain their life. And in many cases, replacing some organs is the key to unlocking a long and healthy life for them. Well, have you ever thought what would happen if you knew the solution, but couldn’t give it to them? Maybe not, but think about it now. What if you have all the money in the world to take your loved one to the best hospital, but there’s no organ available for them, so there’s no hope? What now? Would you give up your own life and give your own organs to them? You wish you could, but you don’t have the guts to. And actually, you’re not really allowed to do that (because of all those laws and what not). So then what? You sit, and pray. God forbid you face such a situation, but there are people who go through it, and never get to the see light at the end of the tunnel. Something to think about now, isn’t it?

Now that you get what it’s like to be on the hopelessly hopeful end, for your own selfish sake, why not put yourself on the giving end, just in case you might be able to save a loved one’s life (if not your loved one, then somebody else’s)? I’ve thought about it, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. It’s scary, to imagine yourself cut open on the table, being deprived of the mere elements that made you - YOU. But think again, you’re gone; you aren’t in that body anymore. And wherever you’re headed next, you won’t need those organs, right? I am quoting a story from a TV show I watch, that made complete sense to me. A prisoner who was involved in some gruesome crimes was on his death bed, and was going to be executed in a few days even if he survived. His thoughts were that even if he couldn’t do anything good while he was alive, he wanted his chance after he was gone. And so, he decided to donate his organs. Even as insane as he was, I think I salute him for the one sane thought that left him a better man.

We all know that in places like India, our culture involves many practices that don’t exactly fit with this concept of giving away organs. But if you come to think of it, after you’re dead, your body is cremated. No organs are left, just ashes. Even if your religion involves you to bury the body into the ground, it’s the same story- you’re just bones and there’s no flesh left behind. Then why hold yourself back?

There are vital organs as such as the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver that a human body (actually anybody) can’t go on without much longer. Even for a person who needs new eyes, or skin (after they were burnt from a fire perhaps), there isn’t any less psychological damage to be faced. When you give your consent for the donation, you should know that you are probably saving multiple lives at once. Maybe your heart will go one place and your lungs to another. What could actually be more peaceful for your soul than to know that all because of you (not even the doctor), people’s lives were saved?? I believe that’s above every religion, and that’s the biggest example of humanity.

Once we look at the sentiments of those involved in the donation, we think about making the system better, of being able to reach out to more patients, and getting everyone to donate. Well I browsed some of the stories about countries who took initiatives and actually got positive results. For instance, in Israel, there’s a policy that a person who has signed the organ donation form will be given the preference for receiving an organ in time of need over the person who hasn’t signed. Pretty smart strategy, eh?  However, there’s also another side to the urge for donation transplants. The country Japan actually moved many steps back after an incident happened in 1968 that questioned the criminal liability of doctors who take organs from “brain dead” patients…yikes!

Of course there’s no knowing about what happens to the organs since there’s so much inhumanity that’s a part of this world. But you, as an individual can make an effort, and your family will know that you tried. You will be an inspiration to all those who know your story, and even if it’s hard for them to let go of you, they’ll always have something amazing to remember you by. So sit down today, and discuss with your family about the way organ donation works in your society. You don’t have to give away everything, you can work on that. Maybe your vital insides, or maybe just your eyes. I hope that by reading this message, atleast somebody’s life will be saved one day. J