would like to clarify one or two points.
Legally it is not necessary to involve a possible donor's family regarding
organ/tissue donation (The Human Tissue Act 1961 see http://www.argonet
co.uk/body/uklaw.html). However as a code of practice UK health professionals
will always seek agreement or lack of objection from a possible donor's family.
When such families know that a dead relative wishes to be an organ/tissue donor
then very few will object (~5%) and many will volunteer donation - hence the
expession "and tell your family and close friends your wishes regarding
donation." It is only when the family don't know that the refusal rate
approaches ~ 45%!
Presently already there are 10 million (17%) of the UK population registered on
the NHS Organ Donor Register since Oct 1994 and about 30% population have a
donor card. Whilst there are some people who say one thing and do another,
another
reason the potential donation figures aren't higher is lack of convenient
availability of donor cards and registration forms. However you can now
register on-line at http://www.nhsorgandonor.net and print out your own donor
card!
From the experience of other countries changing the law to increase organ
donation usually results in a lower number of donations. In the UK there are
many other factors (resources, training, 'criminal assault' law, medical
ethics, public/medical awareness and understanding) that need to be addressed
which would result in more donor referrals.
Regards
John Evans