Submissions
<< back to submissions
UK Government DoH Consultation on introducing 'opt-out' consent for organ and tissue donation in England
Published: 28th February 2018
The government considers that it is the right time to revisit the issue of consent and to change the legal default on consent for organ and tissue donation in England. It favours an opt-out system, similar to that already in place in Wales and in the pipeline in Scotland. The purpose of this consultation is to consider how changes to the organ donation system in England should be implemented and whether there are other steps that should be taken. Only organ and tissue donation after death is being considered.
CMF's main concern is that the altruistic ethos of 'donation as a free gift' would be endangered by an ill-judged if well-intentioned proposal to move from voluntary donation to presumed consent.
We are also concerned the belief that presumed consent would itself increase the number of organs available for transplantation is not supported by the available evidence.
We are supportive of the practice of donation of organs after death where this is done with due sensitivity to medical, cultural and ethical considerations. As an organisation that represents Christian doctors and other healthcare professionals, we take our starting point from Christ who healed the sick and who gave Himself for the good of others, and welcome the benefits that have come through organ transplantation.
Read our full submission
here
For further information:
Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668
Media Enquiries:
Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225
About CMF:
Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.
CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.
