Time to drop the outdated and unfair anonymity rule in organ donation

The rise of social media means decades-old rules requiring that the identities of deceased organ donors and organ recipients remain secret are fast becoming obsolete

By Charles Weijer and Nicholas Murphy

IN JUNE 2012, Canadian teen Tyler Schwering died after an accident. Knowing it is what he would have wanted, Tyler’s mother, Kim LeBlanc, consented to organ donation on his behalf. That decision saved the life of Dave Allingham, who received Tyler’s heart the next day. A year later, after finding one another with the help of social media, LeBlanc and Allingham met. Both say the experience was life-changing.

“Seeing what has come of something horrible has given me peace,” says LeBlanc. Allingham, now free of his heart condition, welcomed the chance to express his gratitude. “I cherish the gift I’ve been given,” he says. “Tyler’s legacy …