Donor Organ Loopholes Discussed
NewstalkZB

The issue of respecting the wishes of potential organ donors will be explored at a forum in Wellington today.

It is the first of a series of consultation meetings around New Zealand held by the Ministry of Health, on proposed changes to laws on organ and tissue donation.

About 40 percent of motorists indicate on driving licence applications they are prepared to be donors, but the families of nearly half of those who end up in intensive care wards subsequently refuse consent.

Spokeswoman Gillian Durham says the ministry wants to ensure that any policy changes respect people's wishes without reducing potential donor numbers.

She says organ donations are often made when families are approached sensitively in intensive care wards.

27/04/04