Dear Sir/Madam,

23rd/24th October 2011, I lost my wife very suddenly because of a brain haemorrhage. My consent was sought for her organs to be used to save others & I & my family agreed.

I would have been grievously distressed if they had taken them without our consent. When they asked if they could have my wife's eyes I couldn't stand the thought of it & the NHS would have had another medical problem on their hands if they had taken them anyway - i.e., my health. It has been hard enough coming to terms with losing her.

I share the view that the idea proposed of 'assumed consent' is unethical. Consent to organ donation can no more be assumed than that if someone leaves a window open a burglar may assume consent to help himself to what is inside.

If this legislation goes through, GPs, psychiatrists et al - maybe the police, too - will find themselves treating a lot of cases they might not have. Of course, it will be hidden from view by the fact that GPs often do treat bereavement cases with drugs. How much better, though, for relatives to be asked for their consent & be encouraged by the help thus given to those in need of replacement organs? I have been informed that two of the three recipients of my wife's organs are doing very well & that is a great comfort to me. It would have meant nothing to me if they confiscated her organs without my & my family's consent.

I gather that it is unlikely to increase the availability of replacement organs. Please change your minds on this. I know that politicians consider that humility is anathema to their business, but many electors would be thrilled if you would reconsider on this occasion.

John Mellor

Flintshire