Opt out organ donation coming to Guernsey

Thursday 29 November 2018

If they can be used, our organs will be donated after we die in the future, unless we opt out, following a landmark decision by the States.

Despite some opposition to the plans, 23 deputies voted in favour of the proposals with 14 maintaining they were against the plans. Three chose not to vote.

Presumed consent schemes have already been adopted in Jersey, Wales and Scotland and laws in those areas will help to define the new rules here too.

Under the proposals put to the States, the Committee for Health and Social Care said family members will be involved in the decision making process once a loved one dies and safeguards will have to be written into the new legislation, but it will be presumed consent was given for organ donation unless an individual opts out.

Pictured: Organ donation has to happen soon after death and with presumed consent, the opt out system could mean more people are able to help others (file image). 

Ahead of today's debate, a group speaking on behalf of Doctors in Guernsey implied that they were supporting the plans.

The British Medical Association Guernsey branch said, "we are well aware of the tragic circumstances that sometimes arises when someone’s life is blighted by organ failure. It is particularly upsetting when the Doctor knows that an appropriate transplanted organ would transform a patient’s life, but none are available.

"Sometimes the lack of organs are because of a conscious decision not to donate, but far more commonly it is the  result of lack of thought or events surrounding a death that makes obtaining consent difficult."

The BMA Guernsey branch said a new “presumed consent unless opted out” scheme will have "the potential to transform organ availability. Knowing that a loved one’s organs have helped others to live healthy lives can also be a great comfort in bereavement."

Pictured top: The new opt out organ donation scheme will come in once the new law has been written.