Every day, someone dies waiting for an organ transplant. Before the organ donation law was changed in England, 80% of people said they would be happy to donate their organs after their death, but only 37% were registered as donors.
On 20 May 2020, the law around organ donation in England was moved from an ‘opt in’ to an ‘opt out’ system. This followed The Organ Donation Act passed on 15 March 2019. The Act is known as ‘Max and Keira’s Law’ in honour of a 9 year old boy who received a heart transplant and the 9 year old girl who donated it.
The opt out system and who does it affect?
This applies to everyone in England. It is considered that you agree to become an organ donor when you die, if:
- you are over 18;
- you have not opted out;
- you are not in an excluded group (under 18, lack mental capacity, visitors, residents of less than a year)
You still have a choice whether or not you want to become an organ donor, and can register or amend your decision at any time. Families will still be consulted and people’s faith, beliefs and culture will continue to be respected.
What do you need to do?
- Research all the information to reach an informed decision. Visit https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/ for more detailed information.
- Register your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
- It is important that you have a conversation with your loved ones about your personal decisions surrounding this so they know your wishes.
The new organ donation law in England means more people might donate organs, allowing more people to save lives. This law says everyone is considered a potential donor unless they say otherwise. It’s about making smart choices, talking openly, working together and valuing lives.