Charity hails opt-out move

Charity hails opt-out move

The system of presumed consent for organ donation – aimed at boosting the Island’s low donor rates – was approved by 45 votes to one in the States.

Humanists UK has welcomed the decision to implement a new system, which will replace the Island’s current opt-in version and follows in the footsteps of other jurisdictions such as Wales and Spain.

Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Humanists UK campaigns officer, said: ‘We are delighted that Jersey is leading the way in moving to a soft opt-out organ donation system. The evidence strongly suggests that this move improves willingness to donate both from individuals and their families, cuts transplant waiting times, and better reflects the will of the majority of people who wish to donate. Most importantly, it will reduce the suffering and save the lives of those in need of a transplant.’

The decision comes after a consultation on moving to an opt-out system in Guernsey was held and Isle of Man politician Martyn Perkins’ announcement that he intended to introduce a Private Member’s Bill to the Tynwald parliament to bring about a similar change in the island.

Jersey has traditionally had low sign-up rates to the NHS Organ Donor Register, with an estimated 12 per cent of local adults registered, compared to around 36 per cent in the UK. The next States Assembly will be required to set an official date for the new system to come into force and an awareness campaign will also be launched. Under the soft opt-out families will maintain the right to veto a decision to donate and people will be able to opt out if they wish.

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