Jackie Blue MP
National Party Associate Health Spokeswoman

22 March 2006

Parliament to debate organ donation bill

National Party Associate Health spokeswoman Dr Jackie Blue is delighted that her member’s bill to change organ donor rules has been drawn from the ballot to be debated by Parliament.

The Human Tissue (Organ Donation) Amendment Bill will use an informed consent 'opt on' database, where donors will be able to nominate organs they wish to donate.

"The bill proposes a law change that would prevent anyone from overturning the wishes of a registered organ donor,”says Dr Blue.

“People who have previously indicated on their driver licence a desire to donate organs would be invited to go on to the database, which would be managed by the Ministry of Health.

“There is also provision for a public education programme about organ donation.”

Dr Blue says the low number of organ donors must be addressed, and she has collaborated with Andy Tookey from organ donor reform group GiveLife NZ in drafting the bill.

"Though this bill will not be a cure-all for low donor rates, it is a step in the right direction.

“If it is enacted it will lead to increased donor rates and give people the right to have their wishes respected.

“I look forward to debating this bill in Parliament so we can move forward in saving lives,” says Dr Blue.

ENDS

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