Organ Bill discussed at select committee

Dr Jackie Blue
National Party MP

20 February 2007

Organ Bill discussed at select committee

National Party MP Dr Jackie Blue is delighted her Member’s Bill to change organ donor rules is reaching the Health Select Committee tomorrow.

“The main thrust of my Member’s Bill is to increase the organ donation rate. At 25 donations last year, New Zealand falls sadly behind most other countries,” says Dr Blue.

The Human Tissue (Organ Donation) Amendment Bill establishes a voluntary opt-on register for donation, and provides that the wishes of the donor cannot be overridden.

“I hope this bill will provide clarity in what is an emotionally fraught time.

“While I accept and recognise the immediate family needs to be involved and consulted, there should also be general acceptance that the final wishes of the donor will be respected.

“The current system is not working. We have to do better, and I look forward to a constructive discussion.”

Ends

courtesy of SCOOP www.scoop.co.nz