Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has called on the public to get engaged in the debate over organ donation laws in Northern Ireland.

Ms Dobson's Private Members Bill on the subject, launched yesterday, is currently in its consultation stage.

The MLA is asking the public to give its view on whether or not an 'opt-out' system should be introduced. Rather than the current system, in which individuals must choose to become registered organ donors, the new system would assume the consent of everyone and give the people the option of opting out.

Ms Dobson said: "This is the first time in Northern Ireland that a consultation has been issued aimed at changing our organ donation laws.

"Public surveys have consistently shown 90% support for organ donation, but the fact remains that only 30% of local people are registered on the organ donor register. My Bill is designed to bridge that gap between support and pledging to donate.

"It will strengthen individual human rights, as everyone will have the option in law to opt-out. Something which they do not have under the present system.

"People often don’t talk things over with their families and consent could be given by proxy even if there was a strong private objection. My Bill will make the legal position in relation to donation much clearer."

The Ulster Unionist has personal experience in the importance of organ donation. Her son Mark was born 20 years ago and diagnosed with kidney problems at five weeks old. In 2009 he received a life-saving kidney transplant.

"It’s not until you have an up close and personal experience with organ donation that you realise how truly vital meeting the demand for transplants really is," she added.

"But the sad truth is that because this is not the case at present, on average 15 local people die each year. That is why I am bringing this Bill forward."

(IT/MH)