A BILL to change the law on organ donation has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
Following the Evening Times Opt For Life Campaign the Scottish Government agreed to legislate for a soft opt out system that research shows will increase availability of organs and save lives.
The Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Bill has been brought to the Scottish Parliament, where it is expected to be passed by MSPs.
Read more:Opt for Life: Evening Times wins campaign to change organ donor legislation
If a person has not expressed a decision about organ donation they can be deemed to consent to their organs being donated.
The Bill will also contain safeguards to ensure people’s wishes are respected and family members will be consulted about the deceased’s views.
The Evening Times led a five year long campaign to change the law backed by leading health charities and medical experts.
Despite having an increase in registered donors more than half of the population is not on the register, despite overwhelming public support for organ donation and 500 people are currently waiting for a transplant.
The new law is expected to reduce the number of people who die while they are on the list waiting for a suitable organ.
Aileen Campbell, Public Health Minister, said: “We need to do all we can to further reduce the number of people in Scotland waiting for transplants.
“Organ and tissue donation is an incredible gift. Importantly, under the proposed system, people will still be able to make a choice about donation as they can now and there are safeguards to ensure their wishes are followed.”
The introduction of legislation was welcomed by those who campaigned for change.
Dr Sue Robertson, a renal Physician and member of the BMA’s Scottish Council, said: “Organ transplantation is an area that has seen amazing medical achievements but has not yet reached its full life-saving and life-transforming potential.”
Opposition parties welcomed the move. Mark Griffin Labour MSP, said: “The SNP government disappointed a lot of people when they voted against Labour proposals for an opt out system in 2016, I hope now we can pass effective legislation swiftly that will save people’s lives.”
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