In a statement from the Bishops of the Church inWales said organ donation is an “altruistic gift” and freely given. The gift of human organs after death is an act of solidarity, generosity and love But a recent research from the British medical association, conclude that the best way forward from the UK was to introduce an OPT-OUT system in organ donation.UK family refusal rate remains to be one of the highest in Europe. In 2012 a bill was introduced that will open the way for a system first of its kind in Britain, “the propose Human Transplantation Bill”. The plan would mean people are presumed to consent to be a willing organ donor when they die, unless they object during their lifetime. The govt. proposes that everyone would automatically become a donor unless they opted out The UK Health Committee raised concern and stated “in so doing it is very important that those people who have to work, when the real decisions are made, know where the law is.” Jewish, Muslim and other religious leaders voiced their objections to the plan.

Dr.Ahmad from Cordiff said, “I personally feel this is being rushed in w/out due consideration and discussion .To presume that a person’s liver is yours after they have died-that’s wrong.” Stanley Soffa of the South Wales Jewish Representative Council said “We believe that people should be able, or the family of the deceased should be able to agree to organs being taken as a gift or as a donation ,I would prefer there not have been a bill.” Church in Wales and Wales Orthodox Mission in a joint statement said, they were ”profoundly committed” to human dignity in life and death .They seek to preserve the dignity and autonomy of every person, the gift of human organs after death is precisely an act of solidarity, generosity and love.” The govt. wanted to improve thelives of hundreds of people in the transplant waiting list in Wales and throughout Britain. Transplantation is one of the most costly effective treatment.

The Welch govt. believes that by passing the legislation, organ donation will increase and hopes to create 15 extra donors leaving around 45 more organs for transplant throughout the UK every year Despite a record 83 people donating organs in 2010 the Welch govt. said a shortage of organs continues to cause deaths and the system will improve donation. Patient concern campaign group said, automatically classifying everyone as a potential donor may lead to the public fearing “harvesting organs has become more important than providing the best possible care.”

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TIDBITS: October 6, 2008JESUS E. VERGARA vs. HAMMONIA MARITIME SERVICES and ATLANTIC MARINE(Contributed by Atty.FidelBorja)

The POEA Standard Employment Contract and the CBA clearly provide that when a seafarer sustains a work-related illness or injury while on board the vessel, his fitness or unfitness for work shall be determined by the company-designated physician. If the physician appointed by the seafarer disagrees with the company-designated physician's assessment, the opinion of a third doctor may be agreed jointly between the employer and the seafarer to be the decision final and binding on them.