THE decision by Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz, Acting Emir of Riyadh Region, to sign an organ donation card during the fourth annual conference of the Saudi Society of Nephrology (SSN) will hopefully spur many others to follow suit in the Kingdom. Organ transplants are one of the true wonders that modern science has afforded mankind. Although it is understandable that some people feel uncomfortable with the idea of donating their organs to another person, it is without a doubt one of the greatest gifts a person can give to another, whether that person is a close relative or a complete stranger. There are still a number of hurdles that have to be cleared after transplants performed. The receiver of the transplant must be medicated heavily if there is a physiological problem with accepting the organ. Before that, there are many details that must be confirmed if a successful transplant is to be accomplished. But there should be, in the end, little reluctance on the part of a potential donor to sign away usable organs. This is not the brave new world of cloning with eugenic and mind control fears engendered by that technology. The donation of an organ to save the life of another is a simple but far-seeing act of compassion to save the life of another human being. Many people find making a decision about themselves that will take effect only after their death uncomfortable. But those who are in need of our organs are the children, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters of those who often would gladly give their own organs if that option were available. In these cases, donating an organ is a sign that we are all in this together and must exercise equal compassion for our family and for the families of strangers. Let us hope that Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz has broken through barriers. __
