From Douglas Nichols, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
You report that an “opt-out” system for organ donation could reduce transplant rates, as relatives are less confident their late family member agreed and so may be more likely to veto donation (25 August, p 16).
I have always wondered why families are permitted to veto an individual's decision about organ donation. They aren't allowed to veto instructions on the distribution of assets after death, as specified in a will. Remove the ability for families to veto and the potential problems of the opt-out system would vanish. If that can't be done, we could allow a veto for opt-out cases unless the individual concerned has specifically – and optionally – indicated a wish to donate.
