Organ donation law in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has an opt out system for organ donation.
This system was introduced on 1 June 2023.
How does the opt out system work in Northern Ireland?
Under the opt out system, it will be considered that you agree to become an organ donor when you die, if:
- you are over 18
- you have not opted out
- you are not in an excluded group
You still have a choice whether or not you want to become an organ donor, and can register or amend your decision at any time.
Who does it affect?
The opt out system applies to everyone in Northern Ireland, except for anyone in an excluded group.
Excluded groups are:
- people under the age of 18
- people who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the necessary action
- visitors to Northern Ireland, and those not living here voluntarily
- people who have lived in Northern Ireland for less than 12 months before their death
Why was it introduced?
The opt out system in Northern Ireland was introduced to allow more people to save more lives. There has been tremendous progress in organ donation, but there is still a shortage of donors.
Since 2015 Wales, Jersey, England, Scotland and Guernsey have all changed their organ donation laws to opt-out systems. It is hoped that these law changes will support the progress made and help to increase donation rates across the UK.
Read about how this law was passed
What do you need to do?
- Use the information on this page to help you understand how the system works.
- Register your organ donation decision.
- Talk to your loved ones about what you've decided. Your family will be consulted if organ donation is a possibility, even in an opt out system.
The new law will be known as Dáithí’s Law in recognition of Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018, when he was just a baby.
