Edit Story Archbishop of Wales: “Organ donation is no duty” - UK news

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A debate on the organ donation bill proposed by the Welsh Government was hosted by the St John Baptist Church in Cardiff last Saturday.

The meeting was organised to discuss the different opinions on the Welsh Government white paper suggesting to create an Organ Donation Bill. Based on the it anyone who dies without specifying they do not wish to donate organs, will be considered as a donor by presumed consent.

“Organ donation can’t be considered a duty,” says Archbishop of Wales Dr Barry Morgan during the debate.

He adds:

“It ought to be an act of love. It has to be a choice and not something legislators impose.

“The implications of this legislation is that the government has to take care of everything. What is needed more is public education.”

Three hundred people are currently waiting for a transplant in Wales, says the Welsh Government. In response to the decrease in consents to donate organs, Wales First Minister last July announced the launch of a white paper consultation on organ donation.
 
Roy Thomas is Executive Chair of the Kidney Wales Foundation, he agrees the legislation might have positive results. He says:

“People are desperate to get organs, so they pay for transplantation which is extremely sad.

“When we look at countries like Belgium which introduced the law, we see it was successful.”

European regulations on organ donation are divided into two categories: opt-in and opt-out. The first states that everyone who has not given consent is not a donor. While the second, the one the Welsh Government wish to introduce, rules that anyone who has not refused to give the organs is considered a donor. The opt-out option was adopted by countries like Spain and Austria.

Since the launch of the consultation on November 7, the Welsh Government has organized public meeting around Wales, the last one to be held on January 25 in Llandudno.

Among the debaters people at the St John Baptist Church believe the donation is a gift from society not only a one individual present. Addressing to the Archbishop, a patient says:

“I have been waiting for an organ for the last four years and I would agree on anything to have it.

“Should someone in my situation rely on someone else generosity?”

Speaking during the debate was also Chris Jones, Director of NHS Wales. 
Consultation on the Organ Donation Bill will close on January 31. If the legislation pass, it will be law starting from 2015.

Photos: Ngalula Beatrice Kabutakapua

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