Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has called on the public to take part in the consultation stage of her Private Members Bill to change the Organ Donation laws in Northern Ireland.
The MLA is asking the public for their views on a move from the current system where the public sign onto the Organ Donor Register to a new system where consent is presumed.
Commenting she said: “This is the first time in Northern Ireland that a consultation has been issued aimed at changing our organ donation laws.
“Public surveys have consistently shown 90% support for Organ Donation, but the fact remains that only 30% of local people are registered on the organ donor register. My Bill is designed bridge that gap between support and pledging to donate.
“It will strengthen individual human rights, as everyone will have the option in law to opt-out. Something which they do not have under the present system.
“People often don’t talk things over with their families and consent could be given by proxy even if there was a strong private objection. My Bill will make the legal position in relation to donation much clearer.
“I am so proud to be leading with an issue which means so much to me personally – for me this is an issue which is much bigger than politics.
“My Organ Donation journey began 20 years ago when my son Mark was diagnosed with kidney problems at five weeks old, but in 2009 he received a life-saving kidney transplant.
“It’s not until you have an up close and personal experience with organ donation that you realise how truly vital meeting the demand for transplants really is. But the sad truth is that because this is not the case at present, on average 15 local people die each year. That is why I am bringing this Bill forward.
“In doing so I am honoured to be receiving so much support from the public as well as the local transplant charities, British Medical Association and the British Heart Foundation. Through my long association with the Northern Ireland Kidney Patients Association I pledged to use my position to help advance the issue of organ donation and through this Bill I am honouring that pledge.
“The Consultation begins on Tuesday 4 June and finishes on Tuesday 10 September and is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ8DDZK and progress can be followed on my twitter account - @joanne_dobson.