Faith groups canvassed on new organ donation law

Faith groups on the Isle of Man are being asked to provide feedback on laws that would make organ donation an "opt-out" system.

A focus group will discuss the Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act, which gained Royal Assent in 2021. Secondary legislation will be required to introduce the law on the Isle of Man.

The meeting, co-hosted by Public Health and the Bishop of Sodor and Man, will be held on 2 May from 10:00 until 11:30 BST at the Bishop's Office in Douglas.

The Right Reverend Patricia Hillas said the meeting would provide a "crucial platform" and ensure the "diverse perspectives" of faith communities will be "reflected" in how the law is implemented.

Organ donation was a "profound act of generosity and compassion, deeply rooted in the moral and ethical teachings of many faiths", she added.

As well as shifting from an "opt-in" system to an "opt-out" one, the Act would align the Isle of Man with UK standards regarding the use, storage, and disposal of human tissue.

The legislation is also known as Daniel's Law after 15-year-old Daniel Boyde, who suffered head injuries in a 2007 car crash near Ramsey.

He was taken to a UK hospital for brain surgery, but died two days later.

The teenager's organs were used to help three other young people.

The Isle of Man's public health director, Matt Tyrer, said it was important that the "opt-out" system would be "as inclusive as possible".

He said the 2 May meeting would give faith leaders and people of different religions the chance to provide feedback and raise any concerns.

He said the new organ donation plans would be presented to Tynwald in July.

Groups wanting to attend the meeting have been urged to confirm their participation by 30 April.

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