Consultation on 'Daniel's Law' launches

Cabinet Office minister says it's 'vital we get it right'

A consultation's launched on government's plans to change organ donation policies on the Island.

Among them would be making it an 'opt out' system.

The Organ Donation Bill - or 'Daniel's Law' - received Royal Assent from Tynwald in 2021.

It was originally introduced in memory of Daniel Boyde - a Manx man who became an organ donor after a fatal car accident.

His parents agreed to donate his heart, pancreas, liver and kidneys - they went to four different people, three of whom are still alive today.

Daniel's mum, Diane, then dedicated her time to helping change the lives of others through her campaign to increase awareness and understanding about organ donation in the Isle of Man.

Now, the Cabinet Office wants to hear your views on the process of organ donation and the storage, management and disposal of human tissue.

When the law changes, adults over 18 who have not opted out and not in an excluded group will be considered as organ donors when they die.

However, families will always be consulted before a donation goes ahead.

Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford says it's an important step for the Island and brings us in line with other jurisdictions, but adds it's vital we get it right.

Responses to the consultation will help finalise the legal framework before it's presented to Tynwald in July.

There'll be a number of public events across the Island next month to help people get more information.

They'll be held on:

• Monday 7 April - PromSpace, Loch Promenade Church, Douglas at 4pm and 6pm
• Tuesday 8 April - Ramsey Town Hall at 4pm and 6pm
• Tuesday 15 April - Morton Hall, Castletown at 4pm and 6pm
• Thursday 24 April - Western Wellbeing Centre, Peel at 4pm and 6pm

If you'd like to take part in the consultation, you can click here.

It closes on Monday 28 April.