A PROPOSED bill to change Scotland's transplant laws has taken a major step forward.

 

Glasgow MSP Anne McTaggart's Organ and Tissue (Scotland) bill has been given full backing by politicians.

The bill aims to introduce an opt-out system of organ donation in Scotland where everyone is considered a donor unless people choose to opt out.

The proposals must gather the support of 18 MSP from at least half of the parliamentary groups before Ms McTaggart has the right to introduce a bill.

The Labour MSP's plans have exceeded this with the support of 19 Labour MSPs, Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw, Alison Johnstone of the Green Party and SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson.

The proposals were launched on the back of the Evening Times' three-year Opt for Life campaign, which is calling for the change, along with the British Medical Association and major charities.

Ms McTaggart must now allow time for the Scottish Government to indicate whether it, or the UK Government intending to introduce any equivalent legislation.

They have until 4.30pm on February 5 to provide any indication that they wish to act.

If no such indication being provided, then the support gathered to date secures Ms McTaggart the right to introduce a bill.

Previous research by the Evening Times has indicated that the majority of MSPs are supportive of the change.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously indicated she is supportive.

Campaigners say the system would guarantee people's wishes were respected and family would still be consulted, but is expected to ensure more organs are available for donation.

Scotland has the highest number on the organ donor register at 41% but more than half of the population is not signed up.

Around 600 people are currently waiting for a transplant and three people in the UK die each day waiting.