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

Gurch Randhawa
,
Anna Brocklehurst
,
Ruth Pateman
,
Suzannah Kinsella
,
Vivienne Parry

Central Office for Information
,
Organ Donation Taskforce

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

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.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 36-44

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Health Policy (Volume 96, Issue 1)

Publication milestones

Published - 01/06/2010

Publication status

Published - 01/06/2010

ISSN

1872-6054

External Publication IDs

handle.net: 10547/224811
Scopus: 77952885920

Access to documents

10.1016/j.healthpol.2009.12.012

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