Toh Di Feng, Valent, 15

School: Punggol School (Secondary)

Topic: Are conversations about death necessary to encourage organ donation?

Award: High Distinction, Senior Category, 2026

“Conversations about death are necessary to encourage organ donation.” How far would you agree?

Since death is the one certainty in life, why do we avoid speaking about it so openly? Could confronting this uncomfortable reality be the key to another chance – a second chance at living through organ donation? The majority of people usually steer clear of this sensitive topic for their own reasons. For some, one of the many vast examples could be due to losing someone who was dear to them through death, and persistent conversations about death may then be perceived as morbid or emotionally intrusive. However, preventing society from engaging in discussions that have the potential to save countless other lives because of the psychological burden alone, is not very optimal. This is why I thoroughly believe that in order to cultivate organ donation, it is essential and even beneficial for people to occasionally put their discomfort aside and consult about the topic of death. To support this view, community-wide taboos can be perceptually altered after open discussions about death, individuals can be given autonomy to make desirable decisions with regard to organ donation, and conflict due to differences or confusion can be reduced among the families who are already grieving over the loss of their loved ones.

One significant argument in favour of this view is that open conversations about death are instrumental in breaking community-wide taboos. In the present day, the tragic topic of mortality often comes around as forbidden in many cultures. These are some reasons ranging from inducing apprehension which leads to avoidance. In order for individuals to approach organ donation open-mindedly with an informed understanding of the subject, society has to break the silence surrounding death which has been preventing many people from doing so. For example, when it comes to family – a group of people whom a person seeks comfort in discussing the inevitable end-of-life decisions – the fragility of life becomes less associated with the bringing of sorrow and misfortune, and will no longer be unintentionally linked with negativity. This is due to the supportive environment that family members can use as an emotional barrier to then be able to talk about one’s end-of-life wishes regarding organ donation. With the provision of reassurance and comfort of those dear to them, the notion that this subject only brings distress will progressively be challenged. Therefore, normalising the topic of death by being more open to discussing it will turn its negative reputation into something that is just natural in life, encouraging organ donation as people can now be on the same page to better approach it.

Secondly, another key reason why conversations about death are necessary to encourage organ donation is that they help to form the foundations of building a cultural society of empathy and collective responsibility. In order to achieve more serious considerations from people on how their decisions and choices could affect those around them, people ought to openly talk about what would happen after their deaths beforehand. Discussing organ donation using this framework shows how one’s decision can transform the lives of several people or even give them a second at life. For instance, if an individual signals a desire to donate their organs, their family may demonstrate a willingness to honour their wish, with the realisation that it could shine a new light of hope for others to live. This forces individuals to rethink their perspectives on organ donation from merely an individual concern to now a contribution to society. Perceptions about organ donation can shift from fear or avoidance to generosity and compassion by depicting death as an opportunity to give to others. Conversations about death can create a culture where organ donation is widely accepted and even supported over time. Awareness of the decisions upon death may even motivate more people to volunteer as organ donors, promoting a caring community and helping those in need together.

Moreover, conversations about death can encourage organ donation as it can support families in coping or healing from the loss of their loved one, allowing them to make clear-headed decisions during sentimental junctures. Due to the intense anguish when somebody close to them passes away, they often dismiss even the thought of organ donation, probably out of grief. Nonetheless, if the topic has been discussed in advance, they will be better prepared mentally and the risk of them making rash decisions would be significantly reduced. For instance, policies shared by the Ministry of Health in Singapore aim to foster discussions among families with reference to end-of-life wishes so that they may honour the recently deceased composedly when the time comes. This showcases the ability of prior discussions to reduce ambivalence and aid the decision-making process. Hence, conversations regarding death are important as it helps families handle the situation more thoughtfully and support organ donation.

On the other hand, some may argue that conversations about death are not the only effective approach to encouraging organ donation as healthcare organisations can also start up campaigns to raise awareness among people about the sensitive topic without sparking fear or discomfort. They may claim that such organisations or beneficiaries are more knowledgeable with the entertaining measures they use to inspire others with the help of social media to gain a sum of supporters, or through games related to the subject. However, this view overlooks the fact that some families may refuse to listen to or participate in an external and unfamiliar source. They may feel that these organisations are encouraging such topics for the sake of raising money and fame, leading to them having the idea that such sensitive topics should not be publicised and is a matter for only the families of the deceased to discuss. Therefore, while healthcare organisations have methods to encourage organ donation, these efforts may not be as effective as compared to family members having a conversation about organ donation before death.

All in all, conversations about death are necessary to encourage organ donation as it can help to normalise and change fixed negative mindsets about organ donation, support empathy, and mentally prepare grieving families to make proper decisions. While campaigns to raise awareness may be helpful, conversations are often more effective at promoting support for organ donation. In my opinion, conversations about death are a better method to encourage organ donation as it gives family members especially a say in the process, ensuring that they understand their different points of view and respecting a family member’s decision on organ donation. I would advise families to educate one another using accurate information about organ donation and to have open discussions together, so that they remain certain of their decisions without any regrets.

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)