Marjut Ollitervo ∞

In order to get more organs, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) is CHANGING a longstanding rule that protects potential donors. Historically, there has been a strict separation between those caring for the patient’s health, and those others whose primary interest is in that patient’s organs. Doctors caring for patients have been prohibited from discussing organ donation, and people from the organ procurement system have been prohibited from approaching family until AFTER the difficult decision to withdraw support has been made. But the OPTN, which runs the nation's organ system, is relaxing that rule. Under their new guidelines, organ procurement teams will now be authorized to talk with families earlier — while they are still considering whether or not to let go. University of Rochester bioethicist Dr. Lainie Ross strongly opposes the new rule, which is set to take effect next month: “I think it's actually a really serious and really bad move. I'm horrified to think that families will feel pressured. They'll feel manipulated. They'll feel distrustful - that the docs are looking out for some person who needs an organ and not for their loved one in the bed.” Dr. Ross is correct. Now, not only will families and caregivers be pressured to discontinue care more quickly, but people will have no way of knowing whether doctors are working to protect and preserve their loved ones’ life, or if they are just trying to obtain their valuable, viable organs.