MSPs back our call for opt out organ donor system

If you have read our last post, about Bobby Singh's struggle for a donor, then you will understand how pleased to are to present this post to you. The Evening Times has released an article that tells us MSP's are backing our opt out organ donor system.

Here is the Article from The Evening Times by Stewart Paterson:

A MOTION backing the Evening Times Opt For Life campaign has received cross party support in the Scottish Parliament.

Glasgow SNP MSP Humza Yousaf lodged the motion calling on the Parliament to back the call for an opt out scheme.

Mr Yousaf said he fully supported the need to increase the number of donor organs to save more lives.

We want to persuade the Scottish Government to launch an ‘opt out’ system of organ donation where everyone is automatically placed on the donor register.

It would mean that, unless people opt out or relatives object, hospitals would be allowed to use their organs for transplants.

The system is supported by the British Medical Association and major charities including the British Heart Foundation and Kidney Research UK.

Mr Yousaf has launched a motion in support of our campaign backed by SNP colleagues, including Glasgow MSPs John Mason, Bill Kidd, Labour MSP Drew Smith and Green MSP for the city Patrick Harvie. In total 23 MSPs have signed the motion.

Mr Yousaf’s motions states: “That the Parliament recognises the growing calls for Scotland to have an opt out organ donation system; endorses the Evening Times campaign, Opt For Life, which calls for a presumed consent system in Scotland; believes that this will greatly increase the availability of donor organs; understands with concern that three people die needlessly each day due to the lack of donors on the national register, and recognises that any system should have appropriate and accessible safeguards for those who wish to opt out.”

The motion has support from MSPs from the SNP, Labour and Greens from across Scotland.

At the SNP Conference last week, in Inverness, delegates voted to call on the Scottish Government to examine the case for an opt out system.

Mr Yousaf, said: “I’m delighted to give my support to the Evening Times’ Opt For Life campaign. Far too many men, women and children die needlessly every week in Scotland due to a lack of organs. It is incredibly important that we continue educational programmes and actively encourage others to register to donate their organs.

“However, it is time we had a serious debate about how many lives an opt-out system would save. I commend all those who are working hard on this campaign and helping to transform the lives of thousands.”

HOW CAN YOU HELP

WE need your help to make this happen and save more lives. Sign our petition to lend your support to an ‘opt out’ system for organ donation at www.eveningtimes.co.uk.

You can also sign up on Twitter and Facebook here.

And don’t forget to send the link to all of your friends and relatives. In the meantime, to join the existing, national organ donor register text ‘ETDONATE’ to 61611.

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