MPs to vote on organ donation bill

At 9.30am on Friday 23 February there will be a second reading of a private members bill on organ donation and the opt-out system.

This was put in place by Geoffrey Robinson MP before the opt-out consultation was announced and launched in December. Should the Government move forward with a new organ donation system this could be the basis of the law. The Bill will provide the means for legislation to change the system by which consent is given for organ donation to an opt-out system. At present people wishing to donate their organs must actively sign the Organ Donor Register to confirm they wish to donate.

Many people who would donate their organs simply do not get round to signing the register at present.  This new scheme would make it much easier for these people to donate and thus increase the number of potential donors, whilst also respecting the wishes of people who do not wish to do so.

At least 100 MPs are needed to support the Bill for it to go through to the next stage, so if you are in support of a change of system can you please email your MP (details below) and encourage them to attend the second reading of the bill next week and support the opt-out bill. If you briefly explain why it is important to you for them to attend that will have more impact.

You can find your MP on the Parliament Website