Okay, for my first college class I had to take a Methods For Health and Administration type course, and one of the subjects we brought up vigorously was that of the need for organs.

It is by all means illegal to sell organs in America, and as such we have long lists of people waiting, and eventually dying because there is not enough organs for organ transplantation. Which had me reading about Belgium, and the way they handle organ transplanting.

They take organs after the person has died (immediately after, though not all of them can be harvested if the body has been considered dead for over a period of time), no matter what, because burial services are different there. You however can be exempt from having your organs removed by requesting so.

I know of certain religions that will not allow this, but I felt as if it was a good way to help those desperately in need of a transplant especially liver and kidney.

In China they will shoot a prisoner for their organs, and in India you may sell your one of your kidneys for money.

Is there any way that any of you can think of as a way to help alleviate such dire need for organs in this day? Since I am not devoutly religious I see no problem with the way Belgium handles things. I can see however people that do, because of religion. Or because they find it a bit weird to allow removal of their skin.

Would you donate your organs for transplanting after you are dead?

Are you talking about being an organ donor? If so, then my answer is definitely yes to your question. If I passed away, I would want someone in need to get help from me through donating my organs. This may sound rash, but I'm not going to be using it anymore. Why not donate it to someone who truly needs it?

Woops I should probably rephrase that question above, yes being an organ donor. And I agree, I have no qualms about donating anything they want. They can have my skin if they choose.

Is there another way you think, that the problem with the huge waiting lists in the United States could be solved? Because as of earl 2006 there were more than 92,000 people on a waiting list for an organ.

I already am a registered organ donor. I also feel that once I am gone, my organs are of no use to me, so if someone else can use them, by all means, have at it.

I am a kidney transplant recipient...my friend gave me a kidney.

Living donation is on the rise and is a wonderful alternative to the waiting list. I didn't wait at all thanks to my beautiful optimistic fantastic friend.

Of course you can't do that for hearts, lungs, eyes, skin...etc. So we still need to educate people regarding donation.

I think we could encourage donation by not making it a yes or no choice...you could specify what organs you will give on your driver's licence...like I will give one kidney, or just my internal organs but not corneas....so that people feel that they have more control over what they give and how extensively they give.

We need to provide more education regarding the need, risk etc. Interestingly, the need is highest in the minority communities, but they mistrust doctors more and donations lag in this community.

More education is the key; it has to remain a choice.

I really wish I had an answer to your last question. I know that Stem Cell Research may inhibt the need for Organ Donation in the future. If we are able to regenerate pertinent cellular structures that work properly, we will cure diseases and simultaneously reduce the need for organ donation and transplantation. Take the issue of Diabetes, for example. In many cases, the pancreas is not excreting enough insulin to permit the movement of glucose into the necessary cells. Thus, glucose builds up steadily in the blood to unhealthy levels which can lead to blindness and even loss of limbs in the most severe cases of Diabetes. With Stem Cells, this pancreatic hormone could potentially be regenerated without the artificial shots that are needed now for many Diabetics. Thus, instead of the need of an Organ Transplant, we could employ Stem Cells in its place. I know this does not answer your question directly, but this is a possibility of the future with the right funding and political support to reduce the need for Organ Donation/transplantation.

This is a really good point...research into curing diabetes will definitely reduce the number of people needing kidney transplants...

Research and education regarding Hepatitis C will reduce the need for liver transplants.

Education regarding coronary artery disease would reduce the need for heart transplant.

Elimination of transplants entirely is decades away...autoimmune disease, leukemia, genetic disorders, and viral cardiomyopathies are a long way from any type of cure short of transplant.

I am an organ donor, but so far the only one in my family. The rest of them are freaked out about the thought and pretty upset when I told them that I was a donor. I say if they can take them out and my family can still have my funeral the way they want, why should they care what I do? I 'm sure that God will restore my organs should I need them in heaven - LOL! No, really...

I do NOT however, think organs should be taken without permission. And if someone neglects to choose to opt out is NOT permission, in my eyes. This will ensure situations like the Schiavo case. THAT IS TOO SCARY!!