DENVER -- Some Colorado lawmakers say their state should be the first one where people become organ donors by default, even though other states' efforts have been halted by worries about making such a personal decision automatic.
Colorado's proposal, introduced in the Legislature last week, would change the process for renewing driver's licenses and ID cards so applicants are assumed to be organ and tissue donors unless they initial a statement that says they want to opt out.
In the U.S., however, similar approaches have been defeated by lawmakers in at least three states -- Delaware, Illinois and New York -- because of concerns that donation programs seem coercive if they require residents to say no.
Yet, Donor Alliance, an organ and tissue recovery agency isn't backing the bill.
"I don't think it should pass right now," said Sue Dunn, CEO of Donor Alliance. "And that is an awkward for me to say running an organ and tissue recovery agency." Dunn said Donor Alliance supports the concept, just not this particular bill, the way it is written.
Applicants would see a statement that says, "You are automatically deemed to have consented to being an organ and tissue donor and this designation will appear on your driver's license or identification card."
This is the way started with Bush, you are always in unless you take the steps to opt-out. Hey, this may be the first step to doing away with social security. Just pass a law that you are automatically executed at age 65 unless you remember to opt-out.
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