COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- A proposed Colorado law would make all people with Colorado drivers licenses automatic organ donors. The law would be the first of its kind in the nation.
Colorado already has the highest rates of voluntary organ donors in the country, but some lawmakers want to change the law so that drivers would give up their organs at death automatically unless they specifically opt out of the program.
It's called 'presumed consent.'
Right now when Colorado drivers get a license they have to initial a box saying they want to be an organ and tissue donor. But the new law would assume all drivers want to donate their organs unless they initial a box that they don't.
The idea of presumed consent has been toyed with in three other states, but it has never become a law because of concerns that it forces people to donate their organs unless they've opted out.
Most people said it would be a disturbing switch in the law.
"That is kind of scary and interesting," Colorado resident and driver Nicole Crowe said. "A lot of people would be unhappy with that."
But others don't think it's a big deal.
"If you are dead, who cares, you are not going know it," Colorado driver Sharon Dempsey said.
Even though there is the opt-out option, some still think the state is pushing the policy on drivers.
"I am an organ donor, but I don't know that we should force people to do it or take their body parts," Colorado driver Kreg Pearse said.
For some, a proper burial includes the whole body.
"Normally you are supposed to be buried with your organs, so I don't think that they should just take them out your body and give them to somebody," Colorado driver Keeshondra Raines said.
The practice is already popular in 24 other countries, but some said it would give the government too much power over their bodies.
"It's your organs, it's your body, so you should have the choice if you want to donate them or not," Colorado driver Bakari Walton said.
Others agree.
"I feel it should be an option because I don't like the state controlling our lives," Pearse said.
DMV officials currently ask whether or not you want to be an organ doner when you purchase your license. Most people just want to have that choice.
"I don't think I like it," Dempsey said. "I think you should have the right to make your choice as my husband did. He chose to be an organ donor. I chose not to be."
Organ Donation Awareness Organization and state officials did not immediately respond for comment. The bill is set to be heard by the Health and Human Services Committee in Denver.
What do you think about the proposed law? Is the proposed 'presumed consent' option better than the current opt-in option? Share your thoughts below.
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