Dutch Organ Donor Reality Show A Hoax

Broadcaster Says Aim Was To Get More Attention For Issue Of Organ Donations

(CBS/AP)  A television show in which a woman would donate a kidney to a contestants was revealed as a hoax Friday. Presenters said they were trying to pressure the government into reforming organ donation laws.

At the last moment, presenter Patrick Lodiers of the "Big Donor Show" said the woman known as "Lisa" was an actress, not actually dying of a brain tumor as claimed.

The entire exercise was intended to pressure the government into reforming its organ donation laws and raise public awareness of the need for organs.

The three prospective recipients were real patients in need of transplants and had been in on the hoax, the show said.

The program concept had led to widespread criticism for being tasteless and unethical.

But Lodiers said that it was "reality that was shocking," because around 200 people die annually in the Netherlands while waiting for a kidney; the average waiting time is more than four years.

"I thought it was brilliant, really," said Caroline Klingers, a kidney patient who was watching the show at a kidney treatment center in Bussum, Netherlands. "I know these transplant doctors, and I thought they'll never go and actually do it. But it's good for the publicity and there are no losers."

The Netherlands' doctors association had called on members not to participate in the program, and questioned its authenticity.

"Given the large medical, psychological, and legal uncertainties around this case, the KNMG considers the chance extremely small that it will ever come to an organ transplant," it said.

Arnoud Veilvris, a patient awaiting a kidney donor, found the idea of the show distasteful but felt the hoax served a purpose. "I think that it is good that the show delivered a shock whereby the problem is now again at the top of the political agenda," Veilvris said.

The show was produced by Endemol, which created "Big Brother" in 1999, introducing the concept of reality TV.

Viewers were called on to vote for their favorite candidate by SMS text message for a small fee per vote during the show.

Earlier in the week, the Cabinet declined suggestions from lawmakers to ban the program, saying that would amount to censorship.

BNN had said the donation would happen before Lisa's death. But doctors often refuse to accept organ donations from terminally ill patients because the operation could hasten their death.

Under Dutch rules, donors must be friends, or preferably family, of the organ recipient. Meeting on a television program wouldn't qualify.

BNN was founded by a Dutch entertainer who was famous for ratings stunts, reports CBS News correspondent Richard Roth. He died of kidney failure five years ago.

BNN spokeswoman Marieke Saly had said earlier Friday that all arrangements for the program were completed, but she declined to comment on where and when the donation would be carried out.

"It's going through," she said.

[donatelif729]

I think they are tryint to make light of the organ donation process. My daughter is a transplant recipient & this is nothing to joke around about! We waited for quite some time for a liver & finally my daughters grandmother donated a portion of her liver & saved her life! I think that this is very obsurd that they would make a joke out of this! I hated the thought of this show when I first heard about it. I think more people need to spread the word about organ donation but not through a reality television show! REDICULOUS!!

[susanhelit]

I don't think they're making light of it at all. I think they're doing a very good job of showing what a tragedy it is that people have to die because not enough organs are available. Maybe the idea of this reality show will make the next family, thinking of tossing their loved one's organs in the garbage, think again.

[susanhelit]

The three supposed contestants are all real - they are real people who will die without the transplant. Seeing them talking hopefully will give some people reason to think, the next time they are presented with that tough decision of donate or not (I don't understand how it can be a tough decision - I'd make it for myself or anyone I loved, in a heartbeat, if they were in the right state).

[aspegic-2009]

Just to correct a mistake in the article:

"Under Dutch rules, donors must be friends, or preferably, family of the recipient."

This is not true. Under Dutch law anyone can receive a donor organ from anyone else, as long as they are medically compatible. The mistake probably comes from the Dutch law that says that if someone dies without having signed a "donor codicile", than the relatives of the diseased must decide whether or not his/her organs can be used as donor organs (as is the case in many countries), but they have no say in to who gets the organs. That is soley decided by medical compatibility and ranking on the waiting list.

[aspegic-2009]

Just to correct a mistake in the article:

"Under Dutch rules, donors must be friends, or preferably, family of the recipient."

This is not true. Under Dutch law anyone can receive a donor organ from anyone else, as long as they are medically compatible. The mistake probably comes from the Dutch law that says that if someone dies without having signed a "donor codicile", than the relatives of the diseased must decide whether or not his/her organs can be used as donor organs (as is the case in many countries), but they have no say in to who gets the organs. That is soley decided by medical compatibility and ranking on the waiting list.

[grateful_one]

I'm a kidney transplant recipient. I was on dialysis for more than 6 years before finally got that blessed call from my transplant coordinator. The waiting process was excruciating and exhausting. I was able to keep my spirit high because I had full support from my family. Some of my fellow patients are still waiting. Some of my closest acquaintances died. Few died due to failing health. Sadly, very few committed suicide. This process not only deteriorates one%u2019s body; it may also destroys one%u2019s mind. From my point of view, I%u2019m very saddened by the fact that some people think this kind of show is ground breaking. We are talking about people dying here. This show is cruel, distasteful, immoral and totally disgusting. How could they joke about subjects like this? Do the creators really care about how most of the patients feel? I personally think this is a very negative way to create organ donation awareness. If people are more willing to become a donor because of the show, I'll be very happy. But, if the show has reverse effect, the damage will be devastating. People's life is not a hoax for them to manipulate. Why can%u2019t they show how patients have to battle against declining health everyday. I guess that kind of show would be too boring and not controversial enough for the producers. My heart is heavy now. I hope there are many kind and generous people out there just like my donor was, to whom I will always remain grateful.

[mizpah63]

Response to markjessup:

Is the $5,000 price for a new or used kidney, and does it include shipping/handling expenses?

[ralan40]

...brilliant..An amazingly well done awareness campaign. It is a shame this wasn't tried in the US and other countries at the same time.

[elisah3]

I'm from the Netherlands. At first when I heard about this show I didn't know what to think about it. When I was watching the show I became aware of how big the problem is. At the end of the show, when Patrick revealed that it was all just an act (a side from the patients) I had a lot of respect for BNN for doing this. The result of the show: 30.000 new possible donors. 12.000 people send a sms to receive a donor registration form and 18.000 downloaded the form. I'm not a donor yet, but I'm going to register myself. After all, what's a greater gift than the gift of life?

[thearowana-2009]

I notice people here calling this a distasteful joke. I do agree that this is distasteful television, but I don't see this as a joke. The creators of the program were featured heavily on Dutch television the weeks and days before the actual show, and they too were sad that it had to come this far. They didn't like the concept at all but believed this was the only way they could make a serious difference. All in all they were very serious about the program and there was no goofing around whatsoever.

I can understand that this is offensive to some kidney recipiant patients, because they are really living life on the edge, struggling to keep their minds and bodies together over the years, waiting for a kidney. But if a 'joke' like this could save the life of THOUSANDS, then I think no-one, not even other patients, can in any way argue against it. Moral ethics shouldn't be a barrier if somethings sole goal and effect is saving lives.