Individuals may soon have to register their wish not to donate organs in the event of death, if new proposals become law.

This week nurses were meeting to discuss whether they should endorse an 'opt-out' register or keep the present voluntary system where those who want to donate organs carry a donor card.

We asked people in Liskeard what they think; is the suggestion of an 'opt-out register a better idea than the current donor card system?

Without a doubt the topic is one which people feel passionately about. Andrew Bilewycz, who lives locally, said: 'It's everybody's responsibility to make their organs available because there aren't enough around.' Although Andrew, 34, believes that 'religion is just an excuse' for what is 'the ultimate in selfishness' in refusing to donate organs, he nonetheless respects the right of the individual to choose what happens to their body after death.

Recent news coverage highlights the desperate shortage of organs available for kidney and heart transplants. Many people do not carry a card, despite believing in organ donation. An opt-out system turns the very disadvantage of donor cards into a way of securing more donor organs. But is taking advantage of our natural apathy the same thing as taking away our choice? Nikki Watts of Downderry doesn't think so. Says Nikki, an auxiliary nurse: 'Everything's an effort in life. It's up to the individual to decide and then they can go and register if they decide not to donate. It's a good idea'.

Similarly, sixth-former Laura Raddey thought the system seemed like a good idea because 'maybe people don't get round to filling out a card even if they do believe in it'. But she did not think that people's choice would be threatened by having to opt out. Laura, who studies A Levels at Liskeard Community College, said: 'It's not like people won't have a choice anymore'.

However, George Butler of Looe did not agree, feeling that the opt-out system would be an 'infringement of liberty'. George, 72, who carries a donor card, said: 'I wouldn't agree to the opt-out register, I don't feel the choice would still be there. There's a certain amount of fear - not everyone trusts the medical profession.'

Under the proposed system, relatives of adults who had not registered before they died will not be able to prevent doctors from removing organs. Tania Bunkum, 25, said that the current system of carrying a card was a good thing precisely because families are then aware of their relative's wishes. But Andrew Bilewycz did not see the new scheme as an underhand way of making sure that any objections a family have to organ donation are swept aside, saying that the issue was in any case about individuals taking responsibility for their own choice. 'No-one has the right to say what happens to another person's body' says Andrew, but does this apply even to a deceased person's relatives? Perhaps one outcome of the proposals will be that individuals will discuss with their families why or why not they have decided to register.

Eileen Brown, who says that most of her family carry donor cards, agreed, saying: 'People should let their family know whether they wish to donate organs or not - it's like the choices that people make when they leave a will'.