Throughout February all households will a receive a leaflet explaining the change in the law around organ and tissue donation in Scotland.
From 26 March 2021 the law will change to an opt out system.
This means that most adults who die in circumstances where they are able to donate will be considered as having agreed to be a donor unless they record a decision not to – what’s known as ‘opt out’.
People will still have a choice. If you don’t want to be a donor you can choose to opt out on the NHS Organ Donor Register at any time, before or after the law changes.
If you support donation, you can still choose to actively record your decision to be a donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register. You can also choose which organs or tissue you would want to donate on the register.
The leaflet contains detailed information about law change and it clearly explains the choices people have. Everyone aged 16 or over in the household should read it in order to understand why it’s important to make their donation decision, record it and share it with family and friends.
The new law will add to the package of measures already in place which have led to significant increases in donation and transplantation over the last decade.
Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “In Scotland there are an average of more than 500 people waiting for an organ transplant at any one time. The law is changing to help save and improve more of the lives of those on the waiting list.
“Only 1% of people die in circumstances where they might become an organ donor. This means every opportunity for donation is very precious.
“We want everyone in Scotland to understand what this change means for them and to have the right information so that they can make their choice and I would urge all members of the household aged 16 or over to take the time to read the leaflet. Donation remains a personal decision and we’re encouraging people to make the choice that’s right for them – whether that’s to be a donor or not.
“Under the opt out system, families of potential donors will always be consulted to check what their loved one’s latest views on donation were. So, whatever you decide, as well as recording it on the NHS Organ Donor Register you should also tell those close to you about your donation decision to help ensure that it is honoured.”
The Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Act 2019 was passed in July 2019 and will come into effect on 26 March 2021.
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