We are, rightfully so, a species which is very much focused on living. We look at each day as a new opportunity. Our eyes are always set on tomorrow. So, the idea of the end of our lives is, of course, not one on which we want to dwell.
However, ultimately, all lives end. The death of a loved one is a difficult and painful time. Equally difficult is the thought of our own mortality. It's not something that we forward thinking people wish to consider.
Still, death doesn't necessarily have to be an end. A trying and painful time can yield some positive things. One way of making a lasting gift out of death is to consider organ donation.
This is the removal of the tissues of the human body from a person who has recently died, or from a living donor, for the purpose of transplanting. Post death, organs and tissues are removed in procedures similar to surgery, and all incisions are closed at the conclusion of the surgery.
Organ donation need not affect common funerary practices. In most cases, simple, effective steps can be taken to provide a traditional funeral and even a viewing or visitation should this be desired.
This is not just for the young. People of all ages may designate themselves to be organ and tissue donors after their death whether from an illness or an accident.
Of course, we know that donations of some organs can be made from living donors. The best example of this is kidney donation. However, overall, donations from dead donors far outweigh donations by living ones.
My purpose is to inform you about this process by clearly spelling out the process of becoming an organ donor and allow you to think of reasons why you may or may not wish to be one.
Before we begin, take a moment to consider the following questions.
1. Have I ever considered being an organ donor?
2. Am I presently a designated organ donor?
3. Does my religion or faith have any thoughts, restrictions or guidelines considering this?
4. How does my family feel about this subject?
5. If I were to be a donor, what would I want to donate?
6. Do I have any fears or concerns regarding this? If so, what?
7. What rumors or myths have I heard about this?
8. Am I aware of any close family members that are organ donors? If so, who? Am I considered the next of kin or do I have any responsibility for these people?
9. Do I know which organs and tissues can and cannot be donated?
10. Do I know anyone who is on a waiting list for an organ transplant? How has that experience affected me?
11. Have I ever discussed donation with my physician?
12. Do I know my legal rights concerning organ donation?
Organ donation is a topic which carries many opinions. It is a religious, philosophical, psychological, ethical and legal issue. The laws of different countries allow either the potential organ donor to consent or dissent to the donation during his or her life time, or allow the potential donor's relatives to consent or dissent. Due to cultural issues and different legislative possibilities, the number of donations per million people varies substantially in different countries.
Hal Stevens owns the CemeterySpot family of websites that provide products, services and resource directories related to end of life topics. Services include the CemeterySpot FREE Online Memorial Listing Service and the CemeterySpot FREE Cemetery Property Listing Service.
Hal is also the author of several critically acclaimed eBooks specifically written to help people deal with end of life issues. His eBooks include topics such as: cremation, writing and delivering a eulogy, eco-friendly green funerals, funeral planning, organ donation, and buying and selling cemetery plots.
To find out more about these free services and resources, to learn more about his books, and to get a free gift, visit http://www.cemeteryspot.com
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