A bone marrow donor refused to proceed with his donation after a machine stopped working during the operation. Data show that around 20 percent of bone marrow donors in China break their promise. China Daily mobile news readers share their views with us.

I think it is a very irresponsible practice because we should try our best to help others when it is within our power. To take back the hope of life we have already given others is crueler than refusing to offer it in the first place.

Ye'an, Xuzhou, Jiangsu province

It is not hard to imagine that volunteers' willingness to donate their bone marrow must involve a loving heart and concern for their own safety. If the medical equipment breaks down it does not affect their loving heart, but it does affect their safety concerns, and even desire to save others.

Elane.W, Wuhu, Anhui province

That the donor decided not to proceed is due to a lack of understanding of the whole process and the hospital's failure to inform the volunteer properly before signing the contract. The donor is not the one to blame. If all the preparation is done properly before hand, such as viewing a video of the procedure, I believe that many of the donors would realize they do not want to go through with the operation and choose not to register.

Angel, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province

Personally I think a bone marrow donor "running away from an operation" harms not only the patient, but also our trust in others. In my opinion, the solutions to the problem include, first, paying donors, as it is very likely that more donors would be willing to come forward; second, where possible a back-up donor should be found to act as a double insurance.

Li Keke, Nanchang, Jiangxi province

Why do almost 20 percent of bone marrow donors decide to change their mind at the last moment? First, they lack a realistic understanding of bone marrow donations and the relationship between themselves and the patient. I think such donors are irresponsible both to themselves and the patient. Donors should sign an agreement, which includes the clear-cut responsibilities, benefits and interests of the donor, patient and hospital. The malfunction of medical appliances has a detrimental effect on donors, therefore hospitals must be responsible for the operation and make proper preparations.

Nora, Nanjing, Jiangsu province

As a doctor, I feel sorry for this occurrence. We cannot overly blame donors, because, in my opinion, everyone will hesitate before agreeing to such an operation, especially given the current medical environment. Therefore, instead of excessive criticism, the media should offer more charitable publicity to bone marrow donors. This would gradually eliminate people's anxiety, and instill more trust in hospitals and foster more love and care for others.

Yuan Huinan, Xinxiang, Henan province

(China Daily 08/01/2011 page9)