Changes to organ donation law

The law around organ donation in Scotland changes to an opt out system from today.

This means that from now on, Scots will be considered as donors when they die unless they have chosen to opt out. 

If an adult does not opt out of donation they will be considered donors, subject to safeguards which seek to ensure donation will not go ahead where it would be against the person’s wishes.

The Scottish Government said there were many factors involved which determine whether donation can go ahead and only around 1% of people die in circumstances where that is possible.

John Casey and Dr Iain Macleod, co-chairs of the Scottish Donation and Transplant Group, said: “The new action plan will build on the progress made in recent years to improve transplantation and organ donation in Scotland.

“It contains key elements which will improve the lives and experiences of patients and, as such, we very much welcome its introduction.”