Wales may lead way on organ donor ‘opt-out’ law - North Wales News - News - Daily Post North Wales

Wales may lead way on organ donor ‘opt-out’ law - North Wales News - News - Daily Post North Wales
click for full story

HEALTH minister Edwina Hart was urged to seek a system of presumed consent for organ donation.
Plaid Cymru AM Dai Lloyd used a debate in the Assembly to highlight the shortage of organs for transplants for kidney patients on waiting lists.
His call for a system of presumed consent – when people are required to opt out rather than opt in to the donor register – follows campaigns by groups such as the Kidney Wales Foundation.
Mrs Hart’s personal view was in favour of considering the measure, but only after widespread public consultation.
Dr Lloyd said: “There is currently a dire shortage of organs available for transplants; as a consequence people are dying waiting for a transplant.”
During 2005-6, 31 people died in Wales among 400 waiting for a kidney transplant, he said. “When questioned, 70% of people say that they agree with the principle of organ donation, but unfortunately only 22% actually get round to signing up to the organ donor register.
“It is my belief that were we to have a system where you have to make the choice to opt out, a lot more people would be registered.”
Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We believe that Wales can lead the UK on presumed consent.”