ORGAN DONATION

Legal issues relevant to non-heartbeating organ donation (20th November 2009)
The Department of Health's view of the legal position in relation to the action that can be lawfully taken prior to death to support non-heartbeating donation, produced in response to Recommendation 3 of the Organ Donation Taskforce Report which states that 'urgent attention is required to resolve outstanding legal, ethical and professional issues in order to ensure that all clinicians are supported and are able to work within a clear and unambiguous framework of good practice.' The intention is that those working in this area will be able to use it to draw up more detailed guidance to support clinical practice. This guidance is only applicable in England and Wales.
Guidance

ORGAN DONATION

The potential impact of an opt out system for organ donation in the UK: an independent report from the Organ Donation Taskforce (17th November 2008)
This independent report from the Organ Donation Taskforce about the potential impact of changing to an opt out system of consent provides an in-depth examination of this complex question. The Taskforce has had discussions and engagement with academics, health professionals, members of the public, organ recipients, families of donors and faith leaders and the report reflects the wide range of views heard.
Report
Supporting information