Daily Lessons from Life 13-15 March 2013 - Doctors rush to harvest organs from patient against wishes of parents

"Doctors rush to harvest organs from patient against wishes of parents - The New Paper Mar 15, 2013
NSF hit by van at Hougang and suffers serious head injuries. Parents traumatised as doctors declare their only son brain dead and proceed to harvest his organs against their wishes.

Drama ensues as parents refuse to accept decision and make a police report in a desperate attempt to keep their son alive. Read on how parents rage to keep only son on life support, while doctors race to harvest his organs in time to help others.

Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA)

When a person dies, the Human Organ Transplant Act (Hota) allows his kidneys, liver, heart and cornea to be harvested for transplantation.

The law, introduced in 1987, means that Singaporean citizens and permanent residents above the age of 21 automatically become potential donors when they die, unless they had earlier opted out.

As of last year, more than 500 people were waiting for an organ transplant."

Never given much thought to this HOTA thingy until I came across this sad tragic news.

There is no lesson to be learned for me here but just reflection.

How to balance between helping someone whose life may be given a new leaf vs. the grief and pains of the potential donor's loved ones who had to let go when letting go hurt so so bad!!

I did not opt out of this HOTA thingy. I am not sure what is to be if the eventuality happened.

The mother is absolutely right that one will NEVER understand how hard it is to let go as the donor is NOT one's son or daughter. It will be foolish even to pretend anyone can relate to it. YET, it is entirely possible for anyone with loved ones and lost one of them to FEEL just as hurt. It is human nature to feel tremendous sadness and pain when someone close was taken away, especially SUDDENLY! The pains and grief doubled when death came unexpectedly. When the person is so young and full of life and with many more good years to come.

My condolences to the family. It is done. He is gone and his organs are keeping someone alive. And giving joy and happiness to the loved ones of those who received his organs. May be he will be please that he had made a big big difference in some of his fellow human being. May be he will help his mother to appreciate that goodness. May the mother be at peace now with his passing and the lives he has given through his untimely death.