03/07/2013

Wales Adopt Organ Donation Opt-Out System

Wales has become the first region in the UK to adopt an opt-out organ donation system after the assembly passed a vote by 43 for and 8 against.

The new policy will allow hospitals to presume consent for organ donations when people die, unless it has been specified that they have opted-out of the system.

Ahead of the vote, concerns were raised over presumed consent for people who had either not committed either way, or simply didn't get around to opting out.Safeguards are to be established to allow for more input from families on these matters.

The new ruling will apply to people over the age of 18 and who have lived in Wales for at least the year prior to their death.

(MH/JP)

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