The Department of Health has launched a public consultation on the introduction of a statutory soft opt-out system for organ donation for Northern Ireland. 

What is the objective?

The objective of the proposed change is to increase the current rate of consent for organ donation to proceed after a person’s death. Doing so will increase the overall number of donors, and ultimately the number of lifesaving organs available for transplantation.

The consultation launched on 11 December 2020, Northern Ireland’s Organ Donation Discussion Day, when we encourage families to “tell your loved ones” about their organ donation decision.

The consultation will run until 19 February 2021, and the Department will publish details of public engagement events to take place early in the New Year to ensure that all stakeholders have an opportunity to hear about the proposals and submit their responses.

The consultation document and further details can be found on the department’s website at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/organ-donation