Annabelle Lim, 15

School: St. Margaret's School (Secondary)

Topic: An email to a classmate on your thoughts on pledging under MTERA and how to respectfully discuss organ donation with his parents.

MTERA and HOTA

Dear John,

How are you? I hope you are doing well. I’m so glad that you felt safe enough to discuss this matter with me, and even happier that you and your parents both agree that organ donation is a very good deed. From your email, I understand that you believe the right way is to pledge under the Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA), while your parents are unsure between MTERA and the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA). I have some thoughts for you to consider and tips on how you should talk to your parents about it.

Firstly, I would like to double check if you are fully aware of the difference in intent between pledging under MTERA or HOTA. This is a big decision after all! To break it down, HOTA focuses on saving lives through vital organ transplants, limited to the kidneys, liver, heart and corneas. In comparison, MTERA goes beyond transplants and includes medical education and scientific research. It allows for the donation of almost any body part not covered by HOTA, or even your entire body. Either one of these schemes would make you a part of something bigger than yourself, something that would help others and leave a legacy. I know you have always been a science lover, so it seems very apt that you would be interested in pledging under MTERA for future studies and the improvement of our planet. 

Secondly, while I know you and your parents are always eager to help others, I know that you all may still have some considerations and reservations about organ donation. After discussing this same matter with my parents and family members, I have found that the most common concern that they all share is medical distrust and ethical concerns. Some people fear that being an organ donor would cause the medical team to focus more on donating organs than saving their life, which I can assure you is not the case. In reality, the medical team’s top priority is always saving the patient. In fact, the doctors working on life-saving treatment are often independent from the transplant team. They fight for every heartbeat and every slight chance of survival, regardless of organ donor status. Instead of seeing organ donation as doctors giving up on patients, it should be seen as a person’s final act for the sake of humanity. In the midst of a family’s grief and sorrow, a life lost can still become hope for another. Organ donation can give suffering families hope and a second chance at life. Just imagine your heart or liver being the missing piece for someone to live. Think of the lives you would be impacting and place your trust in the medical system.

Next, some families worry that the removal of organs would disfigure or alter the deceased’s physical appearance, preventing an open-casket funeral or a proper funeral for them to respect the deceased. This is a concern shared for both donors under HOTA and MTERA. In truth, organ recovery is performed with surgical care, and the body is generally clothed and prepared in a way that allows for traditional funeral practices. Organ donation is something that is highly respected, and doctors would give donors the utmost respect that they deserve. Behind every donated organ is a real person waiting and praying for another chance at life, a child hoping for the chance to grow up, or a patient who has spent years growing older at dialysis centres. This is why although fears and concerns are completely normal, especially for something as important as organ donation, I hope I can inspire you to put your fears away and share these truths with your parents.

Thirdly, I would like to debunk some myths that your parents may believe about MTERA. You can share these with them to inspire them to consider MTERA. Firstly, some people have the misconception that by pledging under MTERA, doctors can use their body for anything they want. However, MTERA does not give unlimited control over a person’s body. People can choose specifically which organs or tissues they wish to donate and for what purpose, whether for transplant, therapy, education, or research. I hope this clears up some confusion!

Lastly, having met your parents before, I can tell that they are very understanding people who love you very much. They only want what’s best for you. If you believe that MTERA is the right choice, don’t be scared to talk to them about it. When bringing up this matter, speak to them in a respectful manner. Avoid dismissing their fears as “irrational” or “dumb”, they are only looking out for you and maybe there is a deeper reason as to why they have reservations about MTERA. Try to acknowledge their feelings before correcting any myths or concerns they may have. Honestly, this topic is a sensitive one, so do try to avoid words that may sound overly harsh such as “organ harvesting” or “putting a use to your bodies after death”. These make organ donation sound more inhumane and can imprint an ugly impression towards organ donation. Lastly, avoid making organ donation sound like a transaction as it is really a legacy. Some sentences may come across as disrespectful to the deceased or for people who refuse organ donation. Always remember that it is a personal choice and it should not be forced onto anyone, especially MTERA which is optional. If you can, I suggest you prepare some pointers to share with them but keep it genuine too! Always stay sensitive and respectful when it comes to discussing organ donation.

I hope that what I have shared can be of use and can provide you some perspective. I am so proud of you for having the courage to discuss this topic with your parents. If there is anything else I can help with, I am just an email away. I hope your conversation with your parents goes smoothly!

Love,
Annabelle

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2026 are those of the participants and are not endorsed by the National Organ Transplant Unit (Ministry of Health).

To learn more about organ donation and organ transplantation in Singapore, please visit www.liveon.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab)