Assembly Committee launches online and Senedd consultation on presumed consent for organ donation

The Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee is carrying out an inquiry into the potential for making changes to the way body organs are donated in Wales.

The Committee is looking at whether a system of Presumed Consent can or should be introduced in Wales.  Organ donation can be a sensitive subject, and the Committee wants to find out the views of as many people in Wales as possible.

The Committee has therefore launched a Senedd Consultation where visitors to the Senedd, and to the Assembly’s other offices including Colwyn Bay in North Wales, will be given background information and be asked to complete a short questionnaire asking for their views on the subject.

The Committee is also launching an online poll and discussion forum on the subject.

The Committee Chair, Jonathan Morgan AM said: “There is little doubt that transplant surgery can save lives and improve the quality of lives of those who benefit from it.  There is also a pressing shortage of donors.

“However, we need to make sure that the views of the public are heard. Any change to the law on organ donation must be fully thought through and take account of public concerns.  

“The Senedd receives a large number of visitors and it is a good way of capturing the views of a cross-section of the public.  The online polls and discussion forum are another way that the public can give their views on this important issue.”