My husband just showed me an article about a Native woman in Canada (Delilah Saunders) who needs a new liver but won't be added to the transplant registry yet because she hasn't been sober for the minimum six months.

Her family, friends and others are now petitioning and protesting to get her added, citing "discrimination". I've also seen posts on Twitter saying this is continued "colonial" behaviour. (Not sure what that means.)

I don't see what discrimination they're seeing here since everybody needs to meet the minimum sobriety requirements. Just because she has been through a lot of stress over the years (her sister was murdered), doesn't mean others don't have similar issues.

I'm registered as an organ donor (so are my parents) but I wouldn't want any of our organs go to someone who can't meet the minimum criteria when there are others that are also in desperate need. (Yes, it doesn't mean they'll continue to stay sober but at least there's an effort up-front.)

Apparently the registry will be piloting a program to possibly revise the requirements, but it will probably be too late for Ms. Saunders by the time that decision is made. (Although I would assume that if they revise it this second there would be an influx of additions that prevent her from getting a liver anyway...)

Thoughts?