Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what safeguards will be put in place to ensure that the Government's policy for opt-out for organ donation does not contravene the religious beliefs of those who may not have opted out.

We have announced that we will launch a 12 week consultation, before the end of this year, on increasing rates of organ donation, including a new “opt out” system of consent for England. The consultation will seek views on:

- How to increase rates of organ donation, particularly from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities;

- How the issue of consent should be managed within the National Health Service;

- How technology could help people to discuss their preferences with family; and

- How opt out could work in practice, the safeguards needed and how families could be supported.

The major religions in the United Kingdom support the idea of organ donation and transplantation. However, the Government will carefully consult, listen and take account of the views from people from a diverse range of ethnic, religious and cultural communities when considering any changes to the law.

We are still committed to campaigns to raise awareness, and encourage families and friends to discuss their wishes on organ donation.

More information about religious views and principles on organ donation can be found at:

http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/about-donation/what-does-my-religion-say/