Further to the letters to the editor and even articles that have been written with reference to signing a petition to encourage the authorities to implement the opt out organ donation system, it seems there are people who do not fully understand the gesture of signing the petition.

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/community_petitions/Minister_of_Health_Opt_out_system_of_organ_dontaion/?apPdunb&s=1

Here are some questions and answers which will give anyone pondering signing the petition a clear idea of what is involved.

1.    If I am a donor already, is there need to sign the petition? First all thanks for being a donor but yes, it would be beneficial to sign the petition. The number of organ donors in Malta is very limited; only about three per cent of the whole population. The more people sign the more the authorities will notice that there is a great need for this system

2.    What does it mean and what am I committing to when I sign the petition? All you are doing when you sign the petition is showing your support for the Opt-Out System of organ donation where the numbers speak for themselves. Countries which have adopted this system have seen the supply of organs for much needed transplants rise to almost full supply. By signing, you are not giving consent donate your organs. That decision would still be yours and you can opt out from being an organ donor.

3.    Will other signatories know that I have signed, and will I keep receiving updates by email? First of all, if we take an example of a person named John Smith all that is shown is the first name John and the first initial of the surname. That is John S. You can also put an initial for your first name thus only J S will show. You might receive an email from the website to confirm but again that it is up to you. If you do not respond, you will be marked as anonymous.

Please take a few moments to sign the petition. People are suffering because of their condition and by introducing this system, we can give them hope, relief and even extend their life. It might be the case that you do not think of this as urgent but for those people suffering from kidney failure, heart problems, liver ailments, eye problems and so many other misfortunes… every second they wait seems like a lifetime.

Here is a link to short video where one recipient was given a new lease on life

https://youtu.be/KCpB4jTJ7vU

Your support is desperately needed.

 

Michel Camilleri