Organ donation laws
All countries in the UK and its Crown Dependencies now have opt out systems for organ donation.
This includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland as well as Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
What is an opt out system and how does it work?
In an opt out system, you are considered to agree to become an organ donor when you die unless you have recorded a decision not to donate (known as opting out) or are in one of the excluded groups.
This is different from an opt in system, in which you would not be considered to agree to become an organ donor when you die unless you had recorded a decision to donate.
In an opt out system, you still have a choice if you want to be an organ donor or not when you die and you can record your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. If you choose not to become an organ donor when you die (to opt out) your decision will be respected.
You may hear opt out systems referred to by different names, depending on where you live.
What is deemed consent for organ donation?
Deemed consent is the name for the separate organ donation laws in both England and Wales. The phrase 'deemed consent' describes how in an opt out system you are deemed (considered) to give your consent to become an organ donor after you die, unless you have recorded a decision not to donate (opted out) or are in one of the excluded groups.
What is deemed authorisation for organ donation?
Deemed authorisation is the name for the organ donation law in Scotland. The phrase 'deemed authorisation' describes how in an opt out system you are deemed (considered) to give your authorisation (consent) to become an organ donor after you die, unless you have recorded a decision not to donate (opted out) or are in one of the excluded groups.
What is presumed consent for organ donation?
The phrase 'presumed consent' describes how in an opt out system you are presumed (considered) to give your consent to become an organ donor after you die, unless you have recorded a decision not to donate (opted out) or are in one of the excluded groups.
