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What exactly is organ donation? It is the act of giving your organs or your tissues (e.g. cornea) to help save or improve the lives of others when you die.
This updated health guide explains the important changes to organ donation law in England [from May 2020] - and how to register your choice!
From May the 20th 2020, England will have an 'opt out' system for organ donation (also referred to as Max and Keira's Law).
The new law considers all adults in England to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die, unless they (either):
Medical personnel will still respect your beliefs, faith, and culture even if you register for organ donation on the NHS website.
Furthermore, the authorities always approach the family members of a deceased person in the normal way. So, you have an opportunity to choose whether you want to be an organ donor or not when you die.
A specialist nurse will check with your family that any decision you recorded on the NHS Organ Donor Register remains the latest known decision.
Every day, someone will die waiting for a transplant of some sorts across the United Kingdom. The law changes on donating organs aims to help improve - or save - the lives of more people.
Note: Another section contains more information about UK blood donation rules, including donating blood if you have a tattoo and the weight requirements.
The National Health Service (NHS) claim the selfless actions of one organ donor can either save or transform the lives of up to nine (9) other people.
Moreover, tissue transplants can make a significant improvement to another person's quality of life. For example:
Countless donors have already registered to help others. You can register to become a potential organ donor too by following these two simple steps:
Note: You can speak to somebody about the choices available by calling the dedicated 'opt out enquiries' phone number [Telephone: 0300 303 2094].
The law changes around organ donation in England affect all adults - unless they already recorded a decision not to donate or they fall into an exclusion group.
The excluded groups are:
You can also choose to amend your existing registration by updating your personal information or donation preferences on the NHS website.
Note: People under the age of 18 can still decide whether to become a donor in the future by recording their decision and telling their family.
The short video presentation by the NHS [1:37 seconds] explains more about the new organ donor law in England. The animation includes British Sign Language (BSL).
Important: Organ donation is a precious gift of generosity that saves lives. Nevertheless, the laws in the United Kingdom on transplants prohibit the sale of human organs or tissue (i.e. they cannot be bought or sold).
New Law Around Organ Donation in England, United Kingdom