This landmark Bill, once signed into law by the President of Ireland, will mark a pivotal moment in advancing organ donation and transplantation in Ireland.
The Irish Kidney Association (IKA), a leading organ donation and transplant advocacy organisation with over 45 years' experience, has welcomed the passage of the Human Tissue Bill by the Irish Parliament.
This landmark Bill, if signed into law by the Irish President, will mark a pivotal moment in the advancement of organ donation and transplantation in Ireland, providing a much-needed legal framework for these life-saving practices.
The Irish Kidney Association is now calling for a clear public information campaign about the impact of the legislation to ensure families continue to play a vital role and to point out that the media also has an important role to play.
The Bill will introduce an opt-out register. This will mean a cultural change where everyone will be considered a potential donor unless they put themselves on the opt-out register. Anyone who records their decision not to donate their organs on the opt-out register will have their decision respected and their family will not be contacted. While individuals have the choice to opt out, it is important to make clear that families will be consulted if their loved one has not opted out. This will ensure that individual autonomy and family consent are at the heart of the organ donation process.
John Brennan, Health Secretary Stephen Donnelly and Allie Whitstone (6), from Greenhills, Dublin 12, who underwent nearly 13 hours of dialysis every night for two years, from the age of two and a half, before receiving a life-saving kidney transplant from her father, David, when she was four. Pictured here with her mother, Michelle.
John Brennanfrom Tallanstown, County LouthJohn was 37 years old, married and a father of two, when he underwent a heart transplant for cardiomyopathy in 2018. He is currently awaiting a kidney transplant and has been undergoing eight hours of dialysis every night for the past four months. Sadly, two years after John received his heart transplant, one of his brothers, who also had cardiomyopathy, died at age 33 before a transplant was available. John's mother died of cardiomyopathy at age 48. John's family history highlights the importance of organ donation.
Highlighting the importance of family involvement, Carol Moore, Chief Executive of the Irish Kidney Association, said: “An effective public awareness campaign that clearly communicates the new law and the important role of families is essential. Despite changes to the law, the decision of the family remains at the heart of the organ donation process, so it cannot be overemphasised that there remains a need for individuals to openly share their wishes regarding organ donation with their loved ones.”
“The main difference under the new law is that rather than being asked to consent to organ donation, families will be asked if they know the reasons why their loved one would not consent to donating their organs for transplant.”
“The media can also contribute by communicating the central role families continue to play in consenting to organ donation. Once the law comes into force, it will be essential that national campaigns provide clear information to the public about the impact of the new law and highlight the important role that individuals and their loved ones play in the organ donation process. This will reinforce the value of informing families of organ donation decisions before the unthinkable happens. Organ donation cards remain a useful conversation starter.”
“Furthermore, this legislation also provides for the introduction of altruistic living kidney donation in the state, which is a positive development as it will address a significant gap in current practice and provide an opportunity for those wishing to donate altruistically.”
“The Irish Kidney Association commends Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and his team, and Senator Mark Daly, for the vital role they have played in bringing the Bill into law. It is important to recognise and celebrate the role of healthcare professionals who continue to work on the frontline of organ donation and transplantation, but above all we must remember and celebrate the selflessness of organ donor families. Organ donation can be an incredibly positive legacy to leave behind for loved ones. To quote the words of one donor family, 'organ donation was a bright light in a very dark time' and 'our loved ones live on in others'.”
Senator Mark Daly, who represents the Irish Kidney Association in the Senate, said: “The passing of this Bill, led by Minister Stephen Donnelly, will help to change and save lives, and we want to remember the families who have made difficult choices, particularly now, at this most heartbreaking of times.”
IKA says that to ensure an informed public engagement on organ donation for transplantation, it is important to consider the context in which this law is being introduced. Only around 1% of people die in a way that would allow for organ donation, and most deaths occur in intensive care units. This immediately highlights the limited possibilities for organ donation and the need to identify all potential donors and obtain consent for donation from their families.
