News - Local
Colorado may bypass approval for organ donation
Posted: Jan 19, 2011 2:37 PM by Bea Karnes
DENVER (AP) -- Colorado drivers sign up for organ and tissue donation at higher rates than in any other state. But state lawmakers are considering a first-in-the-nation change so that people getting driver's licenses would be presumed organ donors unless they indicate otherwise.
The "presumed consent" process has been considered in Delaware, Illinois and New York. But so far no state has adopted the measure amid ethical fears that "presumed consent" opt-out donation programs are coercive.
Colorado's proposal was introduced last week. It would change the process for renewing driver's licenses and state-issued ID cards so that applicants are assumed organ and tissue donors unless applicants opt out.
As Seen On News 5
