AMA supports call for greater organ donation awareness
The AMA today backed calls from the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer for people, especially young people, to ensure that family and loved ones are aware of their wishes to donate their organs after death.
AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, urged people to talk to their families about their organ donation intentions and seek assurances that those intentions will be upheld.
“Every donor counts, young and old,” Dr Pesce said.
“People should also talk to their family doctor about organ donation. The doctor may be able to assist people with their decisions and with their family discussions.
“If people choose to become organ donors, they should seek family support for the decision and a commitment that their wishes are followed through.
“No-one should assume that they cannot become an organ donor because of their age or previous medical history.
“Suitability to become an organ and tissue donor is determined after death, on a case-by-case basis.
“A doctor’s duty is always to their patient and trying to save the patient’s life. Any decision to use a person’s organs or tissue for a transplant would only be made following death.
“Organ donation saves lives – it is important that awareness and knowledge levels are raised, along with the rates of organ donation,” Dr Pesce said.
24 June 2010
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