New laws in England mean people will soon have to opt out of being an organ donor, rather than the current method of opting in.
New laws have today been given the green light, meaning everyone in England will automatically be enrolled into being an organ donor.
Queen Elizabeth II has now given her royal assent to the bill which is known as ‘Max and Keira’s Law’, named after nine-year-old Keira Bell and Max Johnson, aged 10.
The story of Keira is a tragic one, but she was able to save Max by donating her heart. Since his family have worked tirelessly to change the rules of organ donation to ensure more lives can be saved.
The new legislation means that people living in England if they are an adult it will mean unless they have opted out there will be presumed consent to donate their organs in the event of their death unless they say they don’t want to be one.
It is hoped that the changes in the law will enable medical teams to save hundreds of lives each year and help more people who urgently need a donor to get one.
Keira’s Story
Sadly for the heart of a child to be donated sadly another child has sadly and tragically died, but this also prevents the death of another child who may urgently require an organ or a heart in the case of Max.
Max did not have a great period he had suffered from a dilated cardiomyopathy that left him spending his entire life in hospital and in need of complex and expensive medical equipment to keep him alive. Theonly thing that could have saved him was a heart transplant, thankfully for Max he got one but sadly for the family of Keira they lost a daughter, but live today knowing she saved another child.
Sadly Keira tragically died following a car crash close to her home in Devon, her heart was donated to Max and she donated her organs to four other people, meaning she was able to save many more including a boy who received her pancreas and liver,
Prime Minister Theresa May said that she was ‘delighted’ after the Organ Donation Act passed.
She said: “It marks a momentous step for thousands of people in need of a life-saving transplant and could save as many as 700 lives a year.
“With significantly more people willing to consider organ donation than are actually registered as donors, this vital step will presume consent unless people choose to opt out of being a donor.”
May continued: “It’s important that everyone takes the time to discuss their choices on donation with their families and register their wishes, whatever their preference may be.
“I also want to thank those who have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of this issue, and pay particular tribute to Max, Keira and their families for making this historic change happen.”