Discuss the below:
Organ donation
Research suggests that the majority of Americans has a positive attitude toward organ and tissue donation (Feeley & Servoss, 2005). Although there is generally a positive attitude toward organ and tissue donation, there is a reluctance to discuss organ and tissue donation with family members and to register as a donor (e.g., Cosse & Weisenberger, 2000; Feeley & Servoss, 2005). Surveying 502 university students, Feeley and Servoss (2005) found that the majority of students expressed positive attitudes toward organ donation. However, only 11% were registered donors.
[However] More than 100,000 people are on the national organ transplant waiting list. Due to the shortage of suitable organs, approximately 19 people die each day waiting for an organ. This shortage is mainly the result of a lack of organ donors (Corr, Nabe, & Corr, 2009; www.anatomicalgiftact.org; www.organdonor. gov). (Lisa Bauer, Classroom Activities for a Course on Death, Dying, and Bereavement).
Read chapter Death, Dying, Bereavement.
Do the following.
After reading the chapter and the additional information I provided on organ donation, do you feel that organ donation should be mandatory - law? Discuss the pros and cons of making such policy. Also think about the following questions: Should it be required for specific people? Should all people be counseled on it as they get older or if they wind up in the hospital?
Spend the next 2 hours writing about your thoughts, feelings, and attitudes toward organ and tissue donation. What life experiences (e.g., knowing someone who has received a transplant) and/or factors have influenced your thoughts, feelings, and attitudes toward organ and tissue donation? If someone were to ask you how you feel about organ donation, how would you respond?