Abstract:

In 2000 the number of organ transplants performed fell by 3% while the waiting list numbers rose by 2%. The human consequence of these statistics is that because of the shortage of organs more people who are in need of a transplant are dying. There is no one single reason to why this is happening with the result that the solution may be complex. One initiative to improve the current situation with regards organ donation is a change to legislation, to move from the current system where-by the views of the next of kin are sought prior to donation, to one where consent will be presumed unless the deceased has registered an objection during their lifetime.

Author: Lynne Thomson