Assembly consider donor rule changes

Mar 24 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

THE first consultation in Wales about whether the organ donation law should be changed to a system of presumed consent has been launched.

It will help to inform a National Assembly inquiry into the subject, which many believe could boost the number of organs given for transplantation.

A committee will examine whether a system of presumed consent can or should be introduced in Wales.

The committee launched the public consultation because organ donation remains such a sensitive subject.

All visitors to the Senedd and to the National Assembly’s other offices will be given background information and be asked to complete a short questionnaire asking for their views. The committee has also launched an online poll and discussion forum on the subject.

The results will form part of the evidence on which the committee bases its final conclusions. 

Jonathan Morgan, the health committee’s chair, said, “There is little doubt that transplant surgery can save lives and improve the quality of lives of those who benefit from it. There is also a pressing shortage of donors.

“However, we need to make sure that the views of the public are heard. Any change to the law on organ donation must be fully thought through and take account of public concerns.

“The Senedd receives a large number of visitors and it is a good way of capturing the views of a cross-section of the public. The online polls and discussion forum are another way that the public can give their views.”

Organs are currently only taken from people who have died if they have registered as a donor with the NHS Organ Donor Register or carry a card, and if their loved ones have no objections.

More details can be found at www.assemblywales.org and clicking on the get involved link.