BMA wants organ opt-out plan debate

Feb 14 2013

An opt-out system for organ donation would better reflect the views of most Scots, doctors' leaders have said.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said it was time for a "serious debate" on the issue.

About 650 people north of the border are currently on the waiting list for a transplant but some will die before they get the chance of a new organ.

Dr Sue Robertson, a renal physician and a member of the BMA's Scottish Council, said: "All the time we waste now means that more lives will be lost. Now is the time for a serious debate about moving to opt-out."

The BMA has long called for a soft opt-out system to be introduced, arguing such a change could save or transform thousands of lives.

That would mean that when someone who had not opted out of being a donor died, their relatives would be asked if they objected to their organs being used to help others.

Dr Robertson said: "Organ transplantation is an area that has seen amazing medical achievements but has not yet reached its full life-saving and life-transforming potential. As doctors it is difficult to see our patients dying and suffering when their lives could be saved or dramatically improved by a transplant.

"It is important that an individual's views on organ donation are taken into account following their death. A soft opt-out system would better reflect the views of the Scottish people."

Gill Hollis, who received a lung transplant, also backed a move to an opt-out system. The Edinburgh woman said: "I wouldn't be here today without my transplant, so I am incredibly grateful to my donor family; their generosity saved my life.

"But I was one of the lucky ones - I received my transplant in time. I've also supported people through the waiting process who did not receive an organ in time, and that's been heartbreaking. So, you can see why I feel passionately about initiatives to address the organ shortage. An opt-out system would mean that more people could have their lives saved and transformed."