Spare parts

The physical body is the repository of one's existence for a lifespan, and after life ceases it can be discarded, just like worn-out clothing. But think about that worn out clothing – is it totally beyond further use, or are there pieces of it which can be recycled?

I realise that for many people, death is a confronting fact of life.

Many religions stress death as vastly more significant than it really is, scaring believers into fears about the inevitable ending of one's existence, and an entry into some form of afterlife. Thus religion can play a big part in deciding whether body parts can be put to use helping another who is injured, or in need.

I'd be interested in reading something about any part played by religion in 'spare part' donation, particularly the question of how far should personal religious belief impinge on the law, by allowing the over-riding the dead one's wishes by an objecting family.

This raises the question of the contest between the donor's wishes, and those of the living successors. Who wins?

In modern times, we take for granted the use of spare parts for our bodies. Many of us have false teeth, many use artificial limbs. I have a replacement pin in my hip bone, but wouldn't have minded if that spare part had been taken from a recently deceased person, rather than from a supplier of surgically sterile metal.

As a component of outward visibility and the realm of bodily enhancement, some wear wigs, others false eyelashes, or perhaps we dye our hair. Original form loses its importance when challenged by convenience, fashion, or ego.

To me, the use of healthy organs to replace damaged ones is just as valid as blood transfusions, yet there are some religions which even forbid blood transfusions as part of their belief.

What would be wrong with storing a deceased person's blood immediately on death if practicable, then using it when needed?

We hear constantly calls for blood donation, and this could be an aid, if it is not being done already. Perhaps blood is only useful if it is sourced from a system getting continuous oxygen replenishment. I don't know – can someone tell me?

I suggest that the donor's wishes should prevail at all times, so the challenge is to get more people to agree to donation. This should be in the certain knowledge that their family cannot counter their reasoned intent.

There should be no opting out of such an essential life supporting action of re-using body parts, just as we accept the concept of "spares' in most facets of society.