Drop-in sessions highlight new organ donation law

Proposed updates to regulations on organ donation, including how an opt-out system would work, will be highlighted at a series of information sessions.

The Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act was given Royal Assent in July 2021 and a consultation is now asking for views on the secondary legislation needed to bring it in.

Launched by the Cabinet Office, the survey asks for feedback on proposed codes of practice outlining how certain activities related to the act should be handled.

People have also been invited to find out more at a series of public information events in Douglas, Ramsey, Castletown and Peel later this month.

Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford said moving to an opt-out system for organ donation was "an important step" that would bring the island "in line with other jurisdictions".

He said it was "vital we get it right" and "ensure transparency, ethical oversight, and public confidence in the system".

The legislation is also known as Daniel's Law in memory of 15-year-old Daniel Boyde whose organs were donated following his death in a car crash in 2007.

The law change would see adults over the age of 18 who have not opted out presumed to have given consent for organ donation.

However, families would be consulted before any decision was confirmed.

The consultation gives respondents the opportunity to review and consider eight detailed codes of practice, prepared by Public Health, on areas such as living and deceased organ donation, and the principle of consent.

It asks for thoughts on whether the consent process is clear and if it respects the wishes of individuals, including those from different faiths and backgrounds.

The survey also looks at proposed procedures for storing and disposing of tissue and organs after post-mortem examinations, and how families might receive clear, compassionate, and timely information about donations.

Ashford said: "Death is not an easy subject to talk about, but it affects everyone."

"These discussions matter because they help ensure the right safeguards and choices are in place for our loved ones," he said.

"We want to hear from as many people as possible to make sure the final framework reflects the needs and expectations of our community."

To highlight the consultation, two drop-in sessions will be held in each of four locations, starting at 16:00 and 18:00 BST.

The first takes place at Loch Promenade Church in Douglas on 7 April, followed by Ramsey Town Hall on 8 April, the Morton Hall in Castletown on 15 April, and the Western Wellbeing Centre in Peel on 24 April.

The consultation itself is available online until 28 April.

Responses from the public will help inform the legal framework before it is presented to Tynwald in July 2025, the Cabinet Office said.

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