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RedDeerGuy1's avatar

Can a next of kin authorize a family member, who is in a coma, to donate blood?

Asked by RedDeerGuy1 (24945points) January 31st, 2023

Has it been done?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

5 Answers

canidmajor's avatar

Used to be, no. At least in the US, in the state where I was. Unless a medical proxy, that specifically includes any bodily product of the incompetent or incapacitated person that can be donated without damaging said person, is in place.

What a travesty if they could just arbitrarily harvest bits of people who are unable to object.

zenvelo's avatar

If they could authorize blood donation, they could then authorize kidney donation.

LadyMarissa's avatar

I think that’s a state by state decision tied to the state’s laws. After I had my stroke, I wasn’t allowed to give blood because I was considered to have an unknown medical condition & I might be taking meds that could have adverse effects on the recipient. I think that they said that I had to wait 2 years & have an “all clear” from my doctor before they would accept my blood again. That might have been a donor center rule as well.

JLeslie's avatar

I don’t think so. I think the only donations a next of kin can authorize is after death and I don’t think blood donation is done after death. As far as I know only organ donation after death.

One exception might be parents authorizing for a minor child. That would seem to have all sorts of ethical questions (which it should) but what if it was a donation for a sibling or parent?

RayaHope's avatar

This is just my opinion but I think that would be creepy and not right to do. Plus someone in a coma is probably on medicines that would not be wanted in donated blood products anyway.

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