by Raina Jain

Posted on April 26,2013

New legislation is being put in place for the organ donation system in Wales- a ‘soft’ opt-out system will be enacted, where people will be assumed to be organ donors unless they specified otherwise.

This change sparked controversy amongst those who felt that relatives should have a right to object to the patient’s organ donation. However, Health Minister Mark Drakeford announced that relatives will have a “clear right of objection” under the new legislation.

Drakeford continued, “deemed consent donation will not go ahead in the absence of any family member. I will bring forward an amendment, which will provide a clear right of objection for family members, where they can confirm that a potential donor would not have wished donation to take place.”

In response to Drakeford, Plaid Cymru spokesperson Elin Jones voiced further concerns- “what if there is a difference of opinion between family members? I would certainly want to hear more from the Minister that this is the correct approach.”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health/organ-donation-changes-give-relatives-2668077