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FReeper Motorcycle Hooligan |
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Posted on 02/03/2003 3:00:57 PM PST by KneelBeforeZod
Jan. 30 – The AMA has expressed its outrage at a proposed law in New Mexico that could make some motorcyclists into forced organ donors. The proposal, introduced in the New Mexico Legislature by state Sen. Allen Hurt (R-Waterflow), would allow the harvesting of organs from any motorcyclist who doesn't wear a helmet and is declared brain dead as a result of an accident. Hurt's bill, designated Senate Bill 239, specifically states that: "a person operating a motorcycle without a helmet and who, as the result of an accident, is pronounced brain dead pursuant to Section 12-2-4 NMSA 1978 by a licensed physician shall become an organ donor regardless of whether the person made an anatomical gift by completing the organ donor statement…"
If the bill becomes law, it would take effect on July 1.
The AMA, which represents more than 250,000 motorcyclists across the country, said that Hurt's proposal represents a new low in the relationship between anti-motorcycling government officials and riders
"Organ donation is a noble cause that truly can represent the gift of life for people faced with some terminal illnesses," noted Sean Maher, AMA director of state affairs. "But making the commitment to become an organ donor must remain a private decision left to each person. "Classifying an entire group of citizens as nothing more than organs to be harvested isn't just demeaning to motorcyclists, it's offensive to all Americans," he said.
The AMA is organizing opposition to the Hurt proposal. New Mexico motorcyclists can help by going to the StateWatch section of the AMA Rapid Response Center. There, they can send letters of protest to their state lawmakers.
The proposal, introduced in the New Mexico Legislature by state Sen. Allen Hurt (R-Waterflow), would allow the harvesting of organs from any motorcyclist who doesn't wear a helmet and is declared brain dead as a result of an accident. Hurt's bill, designated Senate Bill 239, specifically states that: "a person operating a motorcycle without a helmet and who, as the result of an accident, is pronounced brain dead pursuant to Section 12-2-4 NMSA 1978 by a licensed physician shall become an organ donor regardless of whether the person made an anatomical gift by completing the organ donor statement…"I believe the good people of New Mexico should see to that the organs of Sen. Allen Hurt are removed and put to good use, immediately!
A bit of "gallows humor," eh?
I imagine the majority of donors come to you as a result of motor-vehicle accidents; I survived a nasty one 40 years ago when the car I was in was struck by a strong crosswind (Corvair) running along the Gulf coast in Florida and I was thrown almost 100 feet into the brushy dunes.
I had a hemothorax and a pneumothorax that was treated by draining the pleural chamber, but it wasn't until 11/2 years later that the doctor performing my exit physical determined that the persistent stiffness of my left thumb was a result of the same wreck - I had a severed extensor pollex longus; now, I can flex it fine after they grafted a tendon from my left forefinger.
Amazing what a bit of stitching can accomplish.
As noble as organ donation sounds, I don't believe we are yet at the point where it is the purview of the state to designate the donor.
Yeah your a voluntary donor. How'd you feel if you didn't beleive in donating and you were forced to become a donor?
O'yeah I also ride and I don't believe in donating because you donate and then your organs go to the highest bidder.
What is someone doesn't believe in donating because of religeous reason's?
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FReeper Motorcycle Hooligan |
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I would be completely opposed. Isn't that clear from my posts? I was calling the sponsor a bozo.
It would make an interesting court case if one were to will their entire remains to their heirs for proper burial or disposal. Would this be like a 'death tax'?
Best of luck to you, partner. Please let your fellow freepers know when you are up and about. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Seems like that should be the default setting in absence of specific instructions.
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