Cumbrian MP calls for opt-out organ donation system

Credit: PA

A Cumbrian MP is pushing for a change to the organ donation system.

Tim Farron has put forward a motion in Parliament calling on England to move to an opt-out scheme.

It would mean that people's consent to donate their organs after death is presumed, unless they have explicitly said otherwise.

In December 2015, Wales moved to a soft opt-out system for consent to organ donation, while Scotland has already announced plans to move to the same system.

On average, three people die each day in need of a transplant because of a lack of registered organ donors.

What is our current system?

  • A person must opt-in to the organ donation system.

  • Organs from a donor can only be used with their consent or with their family’s consent after they die.

  • Consent can be given by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.

  • Or by telling a relative or close friend about your decision to donate.