Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
£18M APPEAL FOR DONORS AS MPS BACK MAX’S LAW
Success in our 3-year battle
AN £18million organ donation campaign is to be launched to spread the word about Max’s Law.
Details of the drive emerged as MPS yesterday gave the final green light to making organs available for transplant unless people opt out.
The legislation – known as Max’s Law after transplant boy Max Johnson, 10, who has fronted our three-year campaign for change – will now pass to the Lords.
It could become law early next year and be launched in
2020, reversing the current English law that those giving organs have to opt in to schemes.
However, the wishes of families will continue to be respected and organs will not be taken without their backing.
The £18million campaign to inform of the changes is likely to include TV, radio and newspaper ads.
Yesterday Labour MP Dan Jarvis, leading the Bill through Westminster, said support for it had seen “Parliament at its very best”.
He added: “Moving to an opt-out system like the one in Wales will add thousands of names to the donor register and save hundreds of lives.” Mr Jarvis praised the Mirror for its efforts and thanked Max and his family.
Health Minister Jackie Doyle-price also praised the Mirror, adding: “I am so proud that I have been able to play my part in taking this Bill forward.” Research shows 82%of people support organ donation but only 37% have recorded their wishes.