Opt-out scheme is still best way to increase organ donation, says BMA

The BMA is calling for public discussion about new ways to boost the number of organs available for donation, including using organs from people who would currently be considered unsuitable and reversing a previous decision against an opt-out scheme.

A report published this week predicts that people will continue to die unnecessarily while waiting for a transplant even if the Organ Donation Taskforce meets its target of increasing the number of donors by 50% by 2013.

The BMA’s Medical Ethics Committee, which developed the report, recognises that the organ donation system has improved dramatically over the past 10 years, that new legislation has clarified previous uncertainties over consent and organ donation after circulatory death, and that a new legal system has been established for living organ donation. The government …