The proposal to introduce an opt-out system on posthumous organ donation, which is currently before Holyrood, is long overdue ("Presumed consent is a troublesome concept on issue of organ donation", The Herald Agenda, October 1).
On our death our spirit has departed and only the chaff is left. Why would anyone deny their fellow citizen the right to a longer, fuller life by not gifting a body part which is no longer of use to them? Would those who opt out of donation also opt out of receiving an organ if they required it themselves? Would they also accept that if they were not one of the 5 per cent of Scots who donate blood then they cannot receive a blood transfusion? I have already made arrangements to donate my body to Glasgow University on my death and would encourage others to follow. I was greatly encouraged by my children who are delighted they will save the cost of my funeral.
Robert Aitken,
Kilpatrick Gardens,
Glasgow.
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