Nova Scotians will soon be the first in North America to become presumed donors.
Legislation introduced today will increase patient’s chances of receiving organ and tissue transplants sooner by moving to an opt-out system.
People under 19 or without decision-making capacity will be exempt, as will tourists and students from outside the province.
Every other Nova Scotian will be considered a donor unless they explicitly opt-out.
Government Introduces Legislation to Increase Organ and Tissue Donationhttps://t.co/R0n3Ydlpjc
Le gouvernement dépose une loi pour augmenter le nombre de dons d’organes et de tissushttps://t.co/45urJl3St3 pic.twitter.com/9OeBxHX9I8— Nova Scotia Gov. (@nsgov) April 2, 2019
Premier Stephen McNeil says many MLAs spoke in favour of the legislation in the House.
“About the gift it is in your time of grief to be able to give life to someone else. And in many ways, it’s as if your loved one continues to live on.”
McNeil says it’s important everyone is a presumed donor.
“That will allow that conversation to happen easier for health care providers and at the same time, we’re hoping, really start the conversation at the kitchen table for families to talk about this all-important act of giving.”
The Premier says it will take at least a year to have all systems in place before the changes go into effect.
For more information about the Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act, visit https://t.co/1hvtx8qx2O pic.twitter.com/NQqyhYW5K3
— Health & Wellness (@nshealth) April 2, 2019
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
