Organ donation law

The law around organ donation is an 'opt-out' or 'deemed consent' system. This means that unless you choose to opt out, or are in an excluded group, you will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when you die.

Organ donation remains your choice, and your family will always be involved. Your family could override your decision , so whether you intend to donate or not, the best way to make your organ donation decision known is to record it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and share it with your loved ones. This will give them the certainty they need to support your decision at a difficult time.

You can record that decision at any time on the NHS Organ Donor Register. You can also record whether you would like your faith or beliefs to be taken into consideration.

What are the excluded groups?

The law does not apply to everyone. Children are not included, but you can still record a decision for them on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

The excluded groups are:

• Those under the age of 18
• People who lack the mental capacity to understand the law and take the necessary action
• Visitors to the UK, and those not living in the UK voluntarily
• People who have lived in the UK for less than 12 months before their death