Respecting Consent in Organ Transplantation

Donating organs is a noble and charitable act. It saves people’s lives, and has brought happiness to many. These donors are just like legendary heroes, for as long as the donee still uses their donated organs, their cycle of deed continues to spin. Nevertheless in Malaysia, if one dreams of helping others by donating his organs, he must come forward and declare his intentions. Only by doing so, his organs could be taken and benefited by others when the right time comes. Nevertheless, the problem of organ shortage in Malaysia seems to have no ending. Many have pledged as organ donors but the actual donation taking place is still very scarce. This problem relates to provisions of the the Human Tissues Act 1974 that allows close family members to meddle and interfere, even in the organ procurement procedures. Communication by the potential organ donor with this close family members are also essential, particularly to acknowolege them about his noble intention to become a registered organ donor.