France has implemented a new organ donation policy that requires all people to become donors at death unless they join an official opt-out register. Further, the law presumes consent for organs to be removed at death, even if the deceased’s family wishes against it. So far, 150,000 people have signed the refusal register. Additionally, those opposed to donating their organs can leave a signed document with their next-of-kin to relay their wish orally. This law comes at the realization of the lack of organs for transplant and the increased numbers of patients on donor waiting lists.
See Kim Willsher, France Introduces Opt-Out Policy on Organ Donation, Guardian, January 2, 2017.
Special thanks to Lewis Saret (Attorney, Washington, D.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.
