For immediate release:

OPT-OUT SYSTEM FOR DONATION GETS GO-AHEAD

Legislation to introduce an opt-out system of organ and tissue donation for deceased donors has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The Bill was introduced in June 2018 to build on existing measures aimed at increasing the number of successful donations in Scotland.

More than half of Scotland’s population are already registered to donate their organs or tissue after their death – the highest rate in the UK – however international evidence suggests that opt-out legislation can lead to further increases in registered organ donors.

Under the new rules, anyone over the age of 16 who has lived in Scotland for at least a year is considered to be a consenting donor, unless they opt-out.

However, the Bill includes provisions to make sure the wishes of families and next of kin continue to be respected and excludes children and adults who do not have the capacity to understand the rules.

A public awareness campaign, launching later this year, will provide more information about what the changes mean before the opt-out is introduced and what choices people will have.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey, who voted in favour of the opt-out system, said the new legislation “could save or transform lives”.

Commenting, the local MSP said:

“There are around 550 people in Scotland right now waiting for an organ transplant therefore any steps we take to increase the number of registered organ donors must be welcomed.

“Over half of Scotland’s population had already registered to donate their organs or tissue after death, reflecting both their incredible generosity and the progress made in highlighting the need for organ donors.

“However, we need more people to register. Most organ and tissue donations can only occur in tragic circumstances, and only 1% of people die in circumstances where they could be an organ donor.

“I am delighted Parliament has overwhelmingly backed the opt-out system, and it is a move which could save or transform lives.”

ENDS

Notes:

Further information can be read on the below link:

https://stv.tv/news/politics/1438429-momentous-day-as-msps-pass-organ-donation-opt-out-law/

Date published: 13th June 2019