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MHK given go-ahead for new organ donor consent Bill

Wed, 01 Nov 2017

An MHK will begin drafting a new Bill to update the way Manx residents give consent for organ donations.

The House of Keys voted in favour of allowing Martyn Perkins to introduce a Private Members Bill for Manx residents to be automatically registered with the option to opt out.

Currently, those who live on the Isle of Man are presumed not to consent to organ donation unless they have specifically registered with the UK database.

The Department of Health and Social Care had planned to look at the legislation between 2019 and 2020, but Mr Perkins fears this time could become backlogged with Brexit law changes, resulting in delays for other legislation.

Health Minister Kate Beecroft told the House that her Department does participate in organ donation where possible and supports the wishes of the donor, but admitted that the current legislation is outdated.

Ramsey MHK Dr Alex Allinson and Douglas East member Chris Robertshaw both spoke in favour of the Bill, but the latter urged Mr Perkins not the rush the new legislation.

Currently, around 12,600 Manx residents are on the organ donor register, while nine people are currently awaiting transplants.

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