'Opting-in or opting-out?'--the views of the UK's faith leaders in relation to organ donation

Abstract

Introduction: This article reports the findings from the interviews with the main United Kingdom faith and belief leaders which were commissioned by the Organ Donation Taskforce as part of its evidence gathering when exploring the potential impact of an opt-out system for organ donation.

Methodology: 17 interviews were arranged with the main faith and belief organisations within the United Kingdom. Interviews covered a range of issues related to organ donation and opt-in and opt-out.

Results: The majority of faith and belief leaders are supportive of the opt-in system, and favour retaining it over the introduction of an opt-out system. Whilst the shortcomings of the current system are recognised, the majority felt that there is scope to make improvements without changing legislation.

Conclusion: In order to achieve better engagement on organ donation with members of faith and belief groups in the future, it will be important to continue the dialogue that has begun with these interviews. It is important not only for the public to be aware of the position of faith and belief leaders, but also just as important for the medical profession and policy makers to recognise that all United Kingdom faith and belief leaders interviewed wish organ donation and transplantation to be a success.