Organ donation. UK having discussed presumed consent for many years is moving in that direction. Hitherto has been presumed non consent and even with evidence of predeath formalised consent by the deceased seems not to be legally binding but is just used to make case to family members who make the decision; obviously in difficult circumstances. The next of kin inherit the body by default. Organs need to be fresh to be usable and the delays caused in obtaining consent is not helpful.

In the UK, since Dec 2015 Wales has had legally presumed consent following a 2 year information campaign. That is, people need to register their refusal to donate which can be quickly confirmed with a database lookup. Those who do register their refusal should not be refused Organs should they later need and want them but other patients should have priority. Presumed consent should release ample numbers of Organs to meet the need.

That so many have died every year unnecessarily for so long is a tragedy and the delay in resolving this has been a failure of the political process. There is a high level of popular support for organ donation but getting people to register, carry donor cards and discuss with their families is difficult. Objections tend to be from a minority and religiously based and is directly responsible for avoidable deaths every year.

Personally I object to the possibility that others, even if my family, have the right to override my own wishes of what I want done with my remains. I have a Will to formally assert my wish to donate my body in any way medically or scientifically useful but my Organs will not be usable by the time my Will gets thought of.

Kudos to those active in making the change to presumed consent in the UK. Hopefully England will follow Wales soon.