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

HEALTH minister Edwina Hart was urged yesterday 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.