Consensus Call On Organ Donation

A Labour MSP is calling on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to back a change to the organ donation system.

Scots currently have to 'opt-in' to donate; however Anne Taggart wants people to be automatically added to the register and given the option to 'opt-out'.

The British Heart Foundation recently warned that it could take 13 years to tackle organ shortages if changes aren't made to legislation.

Figures show that 39% of people in Fife are willing to donate after their death.

The Organ and Tissue Donation (Scotland) Bill has received cross party support and McTaggart is calling on those who have previously backed changing the law to support the life saving bill.

In 2011, as Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon indicated that she would be open to supporting a change in the law.

The current Minister responsible, Maureen Watt, has previously expressed support for changing the law around organ donation.

Anne McTaggart MSP said:

"I would like to thank the MSPs of all parties who have signed up to support this life saving bill. I would now encourage those MSPs who have previously indicated that they support a change, including Nicola Sturgeon – to back us and change the lives of those people on organ waiting lists.

"With three people dying every day across the UK we simply cannot afford to wait any longer on this issue. With supporters for this simple change from across the chamber, we have a unique opportunity to take action now.

"Promoting organ donation is vital but on its own it will not deliver the much needed increase in organs that we need just now and that’s why my Bill is essential. It represents a shift to a more positive, proactive approach which will save people's lives.

"As highlighted by the British Heart Foundation, it could take another 13 years to address organ donor shortages without a change to a ‘soft opt-out’ system. In the meantime, people are dying and those left behind are suffering."