New legislation came into force today in Wales that presumes by default that anyone above the age of 18 has consented to their organs being used in a transplant. The move was broadly accepted by the public although opposed by some religious groups.
Spain and Croatia already have similar opt-out systems - and have 40% higher donation rates than the UK as a result.
The ability to opt-out is a crucial part of the legislation – although only 8% of eligible adults chose to do so before the law came into effect. It can even be done posthumously by family member, as long as they can show that the opt-out would have been in line the deceased’s wishes.
There are currently 224 people on the transplant waiting list in Wales and 14 died last year whilst waiting for an organ to become available.
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