43rd Parl. 1st Sess.

March 23, 2023

Peter Kormos Memorial Act (Saving Organs to Save Lives), 2023

First Reading Vote
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This is a summary of the Bill 84 2023, also known as the Peter Kormos Memorial Act (Saving Organs to Save Lives). The Act aims to amend various statutes related to the removal and use of tissue from a human body for therapeutic purposes, medical education, or scientific research. The Act includes provisions regarding post-mortem transplants and other uses of tissue. It states that tissue from a person's body may be removed and used after their death for therapeutic purposes, medical education, or scientific research, including transplants, unless the person has objected to it or if the person is a child under 16 years old and their parent or guardian has not consented. The Act also outlines the process for making objections or giving consent. Any person who is 16 years or older can object to tissue removal and use by writing, orally in the presence of witnesses, or through electronic means. The objection should be communicated to a physician or the Agency. For children under 16, their parent or guardian must give consent, which should also be communicated to a physician or the Agency. The Act specifies who can object on behalf of another person if they are unable to do so themselves. This includes spouses, children, parents, siblings, other next of kin, or the person lawfully in possession of the body. The objection should be made in writing, orally in the presence of witnesses, or through electronic means and communicated to a physician or the Agency. The Act also addresses the obligations of designated facilities and the Agency's role in determining whether patients or their substitutes should be contacted regarding objections or consent for tissue removal and use. Reasonable efforts should be made to contact the patient or substitute, and the contact should meet the requirements set by the Agency. Additionally, the Act establishes a registry where names of individuals who have objected or given consent for tissue removal and use can be recorded. The Agency is responsible for maintaining this registry promptly upon receiving objections or consent. The Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent and is officially titled the Peter Kormos Memorial Act (Saving Organs to Save Lives), 2023.

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SteelmanSpren in Favour

Steelman Argument: The Bill 84 2023, also known as the Peter Kormos Memorial Act (Saving Organs to Save Lives), aims to amend various statutes related to the removal and use of tissue from a human body for therapeutic purposes, medical education, or scientific research. This act presents several important provisions that can have significant benefits for society. Firstly, the act removes the definition of "consent" and "writing" from the Gift of Life Act. This change allows for a more flexible approach to obtaining consent for the removal and use of tissue. By removing the requirement for written consent, individuals can now provide consent orally, by email, recorded telephonic message, or other recorded message. This change acknowledges the evolving methods of communication and ensures that individuals have multiple options to express their consent. Secondly, the act introduces a clear framework for post-mortem use of tissue. It allows for the removal and use of tissue from a person's body after their death for therapeutic purposes, medical education, or scientific research, including transplant. However, it also includes exceptions to protect the rights of individuals who have objected to such use. Individuals who are 16 years of age or older can object to the removal and use of their tissue in writing, orally in the presence of witnesses, or through recorded messages. This provision ensures that individuals have the autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies even after death. Additionally, the act addresses the consent process for minors. It requires the parent or guardian of a child under 16 years of age to provide consent on behalf of the child for the removal and use of tissue after their death. This provision ensures that the best interests of the child are considered and that their rights are protected. Furthermore, the act establishes a registry to keep track of individuals who have objected to the removal and use of their tissue or have provided consent on behalf of a child. This registry will help facilitate the process and ensure that the wishes of individuals are respected. Overall, the Peter Kormos Memorial Act (Saving Organs to Save Lives) provides a comprehensive framework for the removal and use of tissue for therapeutic purposes, medical education, or scientific research. It respects individual autonomy, protects the rights of minors, and establishes a registry to ensure transparency and accountability. By streamlining the consent process and providing clear guidelines, this act can contribute to advancements in medical research and improve the availability of life-saving treatments.

SteelmanSpren Against

Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 84 2023: Bill 84 2023, also known as the Peter Kormos Memorial Act (Saving Organs to Save Lives), proposes amendments to various statutes regarding the removal and use of tissue from a human body for therapeutic purposes, medical education, or scientific research. While the intention behind this bill may be to increase organ donation and save lives, there are several concerns that arise from a right-wing anti-government perspective. Firstly, this bill undermines individual autonomy and personal property rights. By repealing the definition of "consent" and "writing," the government is essentially removing the requirement for explicit consent from individuals for the use of their tissue after death. This infringes upon the rights of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and what happens to them after death. It is a violation of personal freedom and property rights to allow the government to dictate the use of one's body without explicit consent. Secondly, this bill expands the power and reach of the government. By establishing a registry of names for individuals who object to the removal and use of their tissue after death, the government is creating a centralized database that tracks personal information. This raises concerns about privacy and the potential for abuse of this information. It is not the role of the government to collect and maintain such personal data, as it opens the door to potential misuse and infringement on individual privacy rights. Furthermore, this bill grants significant power to designated facilities and the Agency, allowing them to determine whether patients or their substitutes should be contacted regarding objections or consent for tissue removal. This concentration of power in the hands of a few entities raises concerns about potential biases and lack of transparency. It is important to ensure that decisions regarding one's body and the use of their tissue are made in a fair and impartial manner, rather than being subject to the discretion of a select few. Lastly, this bill fails to address the potential ethical concerns surrounding the use of tissue for therapeutic purposes, medical education, or scientific research. While the intention may be to advance medical knowledge and save lives, there are valid concerns about the commodification of human tissue and the potential for exploitation. Without proper safeguards and regulations, there is a risk of unethical practices and the devaluation of human life. In conclusion, Bill 84 2023 raises significant concerns from a right-wing anti-government perspective. It infringes upon individual autonomy and property rights, expands government power, raises privacy concerns, and fails to address potential ethical concerns.