Health Canada has a duty to all Canadians. If measures are taken to deprive recipients...We know that there is a shortage of organs. Any policy must therefore take into account the overall situation.
I understand that the current policy is based on concerns for safety. We are all aware of past problems with blood donations. The emphasis has shifted to policies where safety is the primary consideration. In the process, if recipients are not receiving organs, then I think the policy and the regulations need to be revisited. All facets of the problem must be considered.
If I were a public decision-maker, it would be in my best interest to make a decision that would not leave me open to possible legal action. We saw what happened in the past, after the Krever inquiry. I would want to opt for very safe policies too. However, as a result of this approach, the list of people waiting for a transplant is growing and the shortage of organs available continues to be a problem. Public decision-makers are protected from prosecution. While they have carried out their duty to protect the public, they have failed to ensure that people awaiting a transplant receive the organs they need. The waiting list is long, but few organs are available.