Information campaign opens ahead of organ donation law
All households in Scotland will a receive a leaflet this month explaining the coming change in the law around organ and tissue donation.
From 26 March 2021 the law in Scotland will change to an opt out system. 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.
Those who support donation can still choose to record their decision to be a donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and can specify particular organs or tissue. Those who do not wish to be donors can opt out via the same register at any time, before or after the law changes.
The leaflet sets out the choices people have. Certain groups will not be subject to deemed authorisation and will only be able to donate if they, or someone on their behalf, explicitly authorises it:
- adults without capacity to understand deemed authorisation and take the necessary action;
- adults resident in Scotland for less than 12 months before their death; and
- children under 16.
Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon said: "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."
More information is online at www.organdonationscotland.org