The Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey have both announced intentions to introduce an opt-out register for organ donors, similar to the one in place in Wales since 2015. This follows on from announcements in 2017 by the UK and Scottish Governments that England and Scotland will both be adopting this approach. Humanists UK has welcomed the announcements.
Since the introduction of opt-out organ donation in Wales, more governments across Europe, including France, have adopted similar policies, with the Parliament of the Netherlands passing legislation on this issue just yesterday.
While the Jersey Council of Ministers has stated plans to introduce draft legislation in the next fortnight, Guernsey has launched a public consultation to determine the precise shape of its proposals.
Humanists UK, which successfully campaigned for the introduction of opt-out organ donation in Wales and has been supporting the introduction of similar registers in Scotland and England, will be supporting these proposals and responding to any consultations in due course.
Humanists UK Campaigns Officer Rachel Taggart-Ryan commented, ‘We’re delighted to see that the tide is turning on opt-out organ donation across the UK and now the crown dependencies as well, and we welcome this move from Channel Islands officials. By having the confidence to address this issue head-on and move past people’s taboos, we can create a more rational and more humane model which will save countless lives while protecting individuals’ right to choose.’
Notes
For further comment or information, please contact Rachel Taggart-Ryan on rachel@humanists.uk or 020 3675 0959.
Support the introduction of an opt-out organ donor register in England by taking part in the Department of Health and Social Care’s public consultation: https://humanists.uk/2017/12/12/department-of-health-launches-opt-out-organ-donation-consultation/
Respond to the States of Guernsey’s consultation: https://www.gov.gg/organdonation
Read more on the news from Jersey: http://www.itv.com/news/channel/2018-02-13/would-you-support-an-opt-out-organ-donor-system/
Read more about Humanists UK’s work on organ donation: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/public-ethical-issues/organ-donation/
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanists.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk