Hong Kong’s selfless liver donor highlights the need for greater awareness of organ donation

All seemed lost until a 26-year-old clerk named Momo Cheng took the initiative to donate two-thirds of her liver to the girl’s mother. The brave and selfless act by Ms Cheng was met with profuse praise and admiration from the public.

Cheng and her family certainly deserve the highest praise and honour for making such a huge sacrifice. Other than saving a life, her act infused positive energy and a sense of mutual caring into our society. To recognise her contribution and mark its significance, I strongly suggest that the Hong Kong government consider awarding Ms Cheng , a role model for our society, with a medal of honour.

Filial piety is one of the most highly prized virtues in traditional Chinese society, highlighted in how the daughter of the patient wanted to save her mother by donating her liver. I fully understand that minors should be protected under the law. However, the laws should be flexible and reviewed as needed.

I believe that someone aged 16 or above, and both psychologically mature and physically suitable, should be allowed to give organs to a terminally ill close family member.

It will be a source of extreme suffering for anyone if they are deprived of the right to save the life of their loved one. I believe that a 16-year-old these days is mature enough to make such a decision and to understand the risks of donating an organ. On the other hand, I also understand why doctors may be averse to harvesting organs from live minor donors, even if they are close relatives, as they might think it goes against medical ethics.