Group Discussion on Organ Donation

Organ donating is a good cause. It can give sight to someone who has been living in the dark, life to someone whose cardiovascular system could be failing, and hope to someone whose life flashes before their eyes every day. The organ donating industry has an entirely dark side to it but that should not stop us from doing what needs to be done.

For both medical and non-medical aspirants, this topic could be presented in Group Discussions in various ways. Below are some facts, quotes, viewpoints to help you through a Group Discussion on Organ Donation.

Some facts about Organ Donation:

  • Studies show that every day 22 people die while waiting for a transplant.
  • Medical researches claim that 1 organ donor can save 8 lives and change the lives of more than 50 people.
  • Almost anyone can be an organ donor, regardless of age or medical history. Donation is considered only after the donating patient has died. They are given complete care prior to that.
  • Success rate of transplant depends largely on matching the ethnicity of donor and recipient.
  • A donor's organ is considered for research purpose only if it is not suitable for matched for donating.
  • In India, the donation rate is among the lowest (0.26 per million) in the world and hence there is very rare chance of you or your loved one receiving an organ for transplant in case you need one.
  • You can register to donate not only your liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine, but also your skin, corneas, bone tissue including tendons and cartilage, heart valves and blood vessels.

Group discussion topics on Organ Donation, you can expect to see:

1. Are donated organs sold to the highest bidder?
2. Should organ donation be made compulsory keeping in mind the high number of patients awaiting transplant?
3. The Pros and Cons of registering for organ donation.
4. Organ Donation: Life after death.
5. Should family have the choice to decide whether or not to donate the organ of someone who has a donor card?
6. Organ donation needs more awareness and discussions in India.
7. Why do people compare organ donation with organ trafficking?
8. Organ transplant scams are the reason why people in India don't donate organs.
9. Paid organ donation should be encouraged.
10. Ethical issues against organ donation.
11. Families of organ donors should be given compensation.

Some quotes that can be used in the above group discussions:

"Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; 'Twas not giv'n for thee alone, Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another's tears. Pass it on."
- Henry Burton

"After I die if I am buried I will rot. If I am burnt I will become ash but if my body is donated I will live to give life and happiness to many. Live life after death - pledge to donate your body."
- Amit Abraham

Compulsory organ donation:

1. It's a hard decision: The organ trade and trafficking has made it difficult for donors to decide whether to donate or not.

2. Family insists not to: Indeed it is a hard time for a deceased family but making it mandatory could save lives that can be saved.

3. Give and get back: It will benefit everyone. Someone or the other in your friend or family circle will need one at some point in time.

4. Stop organ trade: This will put an end to illegal organ trade and trafficking.

Voluntary organ donation:

1. Your organs your choice: Not everyone is comfortable talking about it; forget registering to become a donor. The move will be pushed back.

2. Religion: Some religion prohibit organ donation as they count it with mutilation of body that can mutilate the soul. It may sound wrong but it should be their choice.

3. Too many organs: There are so many dying every day it would lead to over donation and discarding organs.

4. Scams: Given the huge numbers of scams, people are afraid and should not be forced to donate.

Conclusion:

It is a good cause but needs to be regulated, people's trust has to be earned and not forced.

We hope that you found this GD guide on Organ Donation useful for your preparation.