Organ donation could change from opt-in to opt-out

Copenhagen Post

The health minister, Astrid Krag (SF), wouldn't back the presumed consent idea (Photo: Scanpix)

The idea that Danes will automatically be considered organ donors in the future has moved a step closer after Venstre’s u-turn on the issue

Despite overwhelming support for the idea of organ donation, few people are actually donors. That's because, as the law stands today, citizens have to actively sign up to be an organ donor. But a shift of stance by opposition party Venstre (V) may lead to that changing.

V has been opposed the notion that Danes be automatically registered as organ donors, but now party spokesperson Sophie Løhde has indicated that presumed consent could help solve the considerable lack of organ donation in Denmark.

”We should look at organ donation with fresh eyes and actively consider new initiatives, including presumed consent,” Løhde said, according to metroXpress newspaper. “The goal is clear and the gap between organ donor advocates and those enrolled should be decreased, which is why we should look at a political solution.”

Read more