"Polyamorous relationships tend to be ongoing, sustainable, emotionally bonded, committed relationships with more than one person, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved, " says Anita Wagner, who says she has been in polyamorous relationships on and off for the last 15 years.

BBC: Is it possible to have a happy open marriage?

But patients can take the initiative to find a family with a terminally ill loved one and have them consent to donate that person's organs after he or she has died -- an option the Flood sisters are exploring for Pearce.

CNN: Woman needs 4 organs to survive

Morris admitted three offences of causing a person under 16 to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one of sexual activity with a child under 16.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Devon | Judge 'had to bail sex offender'

One might argue that consent loses meaning after death, but with advances in genomics, this boundary is becoming fuzzy.

FORBES: The Frontiers Of Medical Privacy