The Welsh Government wants to introduce a system of organ donation called ‘presumed consent’, in which it is presumed individuals are happy to become donors in death, unless they opt out or family members strenuously object…
Under this, people living in Wales will be asked to either formally opt in to becoming an organ donor, or opt out. Those over 18 who have failed to do either will be assumed to have made a positive decision to become organ donors in death.
… But Joyce Robins, of the group Patient Concern, said the law change “would allow taking organs without consent”, and to pretend otherwise was “dishonest and disrespectful”.
She said: “Giving organs to strangers voluntarily is as generous as it gets. The proposed law would allow taking organs without consent. Everyone knows the absence of refusal is not consent….”
Areas to think about:
- What constitutes informed consent?
- Do the Welsh administration’s plans resolve the issue of consent adequately?
- What is your position on organ donation and consent?
Discussion
No comments yet.