Board urges public to make organ donation wishes known after law change
'It is vital that our loved ones know what our wishes are, so if anything happened to us, confusion on this crucial matter would not add to their distress'
The Board of Deputies has urged members of the community to make their organ donation wishes known after new laws came into effect earlier this year.
A new rabbinic helpline will be rolled out next month to guide families during the decision making process with advice from the religious authority of their choice, the umbrella group said.
Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl said on Tuesday: “With the new organ donation system in place, it is essential to: speak to your rabbi or spiritual authority; share your wishes with your family; and state your decision on the Organ Donation Register website.
She added: “It is vital that our loved ones know what our wishes are, so if anything happened to us, confusion on this crucial matter would not add to their distress. That way we can exercise our central Jewish values of saving lives, respect for the dead and care for the bereaved.”
Under Max and Keira’s Law, which came into force in May, all adults in England are considered potential donors unless they opt out of the scheme or belong to an excluded group.
Those excluded from the scheme include minors, people lacking the mental capacity to understand the new law, visitors to England and those who resided in England for less than a year prior to their death.
When registering, potential donors can choose to allow specialist NHS staff to speak to family members about whether their decision can go ahead in line with their faith.
To find out more, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk/uk-laws/organ-donation-law-in-england/ or call 0300 123 23 23.
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