Things that make you go.....euuw.
Henry Reid (former director of UCLA's cadaver program) and a business man, Ernest Nelson, have both been indicted in a Los Angeles court on charges that they conspired to sell human body parts for profit, making a million dollars in profit.
According to the district attorney's office, the body parts were allegedly sold by Reid to Nelson, who resold them to various pharmaceutical and research institutions. The thefts occured over a period of 5 years and Reid was able to use his status at UCLA to hide the thefts.
They D.A's office claim that Reid and Nelson sold hundreds of different body parts so I am sure there are many worried family members who know that their loved one's body was donated and fear they may have been sold in an illicit money making scheme.
Both of the men are currently out on bail.
Here is more info - http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/05/16/body...
I'm wondering if anyone here has instructed loved ones that their bodies are to be used to medical research? And would a story like this change your mind? I am not an organ donor for personal reasons and am wondering if I am the only one -because I know a lot of people out there are...
WOW - Amazing story
Anne,
I've asked my wife to donate my body to science.
And no, this story doesn't change my mind.
I'm well aware this happens all the time and if my heart or any other organ can help someone I'm all for it.
Even if someone has to pay money to get a hold of it, I'm okay with that. I simply want to save/help as many as possible.
Is there something wrong with my thinking?
Todd
Posted: Sat., May 17, 2008, 03:49 pm
No Todd
nothing wrong with your thinking except these two men stole the bodies without permission and for personal profit. The families donated (not for profit) their loved one (with his/her prior permission, of course!) and it's very wrong for people in the position they were in to actually steal the bodies and sell for personal gain. They were living a life of luxury due to stealing human remains. So very wrong, on so many levels. This is not what the families had in mind. It kind of like donating your clothes to charity and then seeing the employees of the charity shop walking around in them later at the Mall. Except this is so much worse.
Great to know you are donating your body like this. Medical research on cadavers is so important and we can learn so much. I am not sure I would do it though. I know I am 'dead' but it still makes the 'live' me kind of squirm just thinking about it!
Posted: Sat., May 17, 2008, 04:39 pm
Take My Organs, Please
I'm happy to give my organs over to someone who really needs them and think that most people would help out if given the opportunity (although I can see how a case like this would creep out many) For me, I think the benefits of organ donorship outweigh the down side -- and this story is definitely a big down side.
Todd, have you 'offically' stated you're an organ donor? Can you share with us how you went about it? Driver's license? Foundation? Other?
Posted: Sun., May 18, 2008, 06:13 am
Reply To Tina About Organ Donation
Tina,
From what I understand, none of the organ donation opt-in programs is worth anything because your next of kin will have the final say.
So the best thing you can do is invest your time educating your friends and family why you'd like your organs donated.
Parents, spouses and children over-rule a simple sticker on your drivers license or a web site you signed up on.
I hope this helps and starts you on a discussion with your family about your wishes.
Todd
Posted: Mon., May 19, 2008, 10:38 am
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