Laws around organ donation is changing in England is changing on the 20 May subject to finalising the Parliamentary process.
As a result, people are being encouraged to consider the options and register or share their decision.
Under the new law, all adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die. This will apply unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups.
Those that will be excluded include people under 18, those who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the necessary action.
While people who have lived in England for less than 12 months or who are not living here voluntarily or anyone that has nominated someone else to make the decision will also be excluded.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:
“This year during Dying Matters Awareness Week, we are asking everyone to talk about organ donation. Not only is it important to register your choice but also to discuss your decision with your family and friends.”
“Even though the law around organ donation is changing there is no deadline making your donation decision. You can register your choice at any time.”
“Your family will always be involved in discussions about the possibility of donation. So it is vital you share your choice with them.”
Register Online And Tell Friends And Family Your Plans With Regard To Organ Donation
Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from 11 to 17 May will be themed as ‘Dying to be heard’.
It encourages us to also consider the other side of the conversation, not just talking but listening too. If you’ve already made your organ donation decision, do you know the decision of those around you?
Should organ donation become a possibility, relatives find it much easier to support a loved one’s decision if they know what they wanted.
You can make your choice now by registering it on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
For more information and to register your decision, whether you decide to opt-in or opt-out, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk