Wales could lead UK in presumed consent for organ donations - WalesOnline

Wales could lead UK in presumed consent for organ donations - WalesOnline


WALES could yet become the first country in the UK to change organ donation laws and introduce a controversial opt-out system.

Health Minister Edwina Hart yesterday said she would not rule out a legislative competence order for presumed consent, as she rejected recommendations by the National Assembly’s influential health committee.

Mrs Edwina Hart was yesterday praised by campaigners and political opponents for showing “leadership” over the issue despite the lack of concrete plans to move presumed consent forward.

Roy J Thomas, chair of Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “It is about time that we saw leadership on this issue in Wales.

“For a conclusion to a report to say to a family, hold on your child can wait for a transplant or die waiting, is a failure to read the real situation and more importantly the evidence before a committee.

“While the committee says now is not the time to introduce presumed consent, our supporters say, when will be the right time – should more people die while the health committee deliberates?

“We now need action on this issue.”