Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe SmithI am writing to update you on the latest developments in Parliament regarding the Government’s support for the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill 2017-2019, as I know this is an incredibly important issue and an area of interest to many of my constituents.
The Government have outlined plans to implement a new system of consent for organ and tissue donation in England. Under these new proposals, the system will shift the balance of presumption in favour of organ donation, meaning everyone will be considered an organ donor unless they have explicitly recorded a wish not to be or are from an excluded group.
The Government believe that as a result of these changes, as many as 700 more lives could be saved every year.
This week the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill reaches its committee stage and will be scrutinised by members of across the house. The Government fully supports this Bill and is fully committed to its passage into law. You can find more details about the Organ Donation Bill at the below web address.
https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2017-19/organdonationdeemedconsent.html
Personally, I support the aim of getting more people to become organ donors and I support this Bill, starting with a vote for it in the Commons this week. I do, however, recognise that shifting the balance of presumption in favour of organ donation does pose important ethical questions, so I'd welcome hearing your views on this matter. As your MP I will, of course, ensure these are fed into the debate and the Government's work.
There has already been a full public consultation which has helped build the evidence base.
You can get in touch with me by my email or which you can find below.
As a constituency MP, it is important for me to hear a wide range of views from constituents on all topics but especially the big ones such as this.
In the meantime, I will continue my work in Parliament and keep you updated on the developments of this Bill as it continues to pass through Parliament.