In an effort to alleviate organ shortages, the governor of Hawaii is considering having the government pay the families of organ donors.
Although some people think the concept is "a macabre idea ... let's be practical about things because we can help people," Governor Ben Cayetano said in a quote reported by the Associated Press on August 31.
Hawaii ranks low in organ donations. As of August, only seven organs had been donated this year and 191 people were on the waiting list.
According to the Associated Press, organs are in such low supply because Hawaii is too far for organs to be brought from the mainland United States and because organ donation is discouraged by cultural and ethical beliefs held by some Hawaiians.
In reaction to the governor's idea to pay for organs, some people opposed the proposal outright, but others said it was worth cautious consideration.
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