Organ Donors

While there are pros and cons for the government’s new organ transplant policy (March 1), it should be emphasized that the basic problem is a shortage of potential donors of all races.

It is not enough for individuals to be satisfied that they have indicated on their driver’s licenses that they wish their organs to be donated. Organ donation is a serious issue that needs to be discussed among family members and one’s attitudes to organ donation made known. Too many lives have been lost when the family overrides the wishes of a potential donor.

Perhaps in the future, when this society becomes more enlightened about transplants, it will be assumed that everybody will donate their healthy organs and have the option not to, instead of the other way around.

CRAIG JOHNSTON

Marina del Rey