Follow U.K. lead on organ donations

Re U.K. may make organ donation the default, Feb. 24

I applaud the U.K. for proposing to join the many other countries that have an opt-out system for organ donation.

The Canadian Transplant Society notes that 90 per cent of Canadians support organ and tissue donation but less than 20 per cent have made plans to donate. With this much support, it’s time for Canada to join the dozens of countries that have adopted the opt-out system.

More than 1,600 Canadians are added to organ wait lists each year. One donor can save up to eight lives. Too many people die needlessly due to the lack of organs.

I believe that those who support organ and tissue donation but have yet to register have full intentions to register their consent online but simply don’t get around to it. Please register now, at beadonor.ca. It takes two minutes.

Along with my strong support for organ and tissue donation, I also have a vested interest in this area. Four years ago, I donated my kidney to my son, whose own kidneys had failed.

He has his life back and is happy and healthy, as am I.

But if that kidney ever fails, I sadly don’t have another to give.

Canada needs to end the shortage of organ and tissue donations and make the opt-out system law.

Nancy Cameron, Newmarket