MPs TO VOTE ON MAX'S LAW
Hopes grow for change in organ donor rules
CHANGES to organ donor rules that could save the lives of thousands of sick patients such as Max Johnson moved a step closer last night.
After the Mirror’s campaign, Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson will deliver a parliamentary Bill to bring in an opt-out scheme.
Max’s mum Emma, 47, said: “I am so glad. It could be vital for
anybody in England, child or adult, waiting for an organ or those that may require one in the future.” Max desperately needs a heart transplant.
The move is a victory for our Change the Law for Life campaign, which calls for the introduction of a system where every person is deemed an organ donor unless they specifically opt out. The system is already in place in Wales and is being introduced in Scotland.
Mr Robinson said: “I applaud the Daily Mirror’s campaign to Change the Law for Life, let’s make it a reality.
“It’s a preventable national scandal that so many people die waiting for transplants when we could give them the gift of life. We know most people are full of goodwill and willing to donate organs if they die but for one reason or another never get around to signing the register.
“I was one of those and didn’t sign until late in life. England following the pioneers in Wales and now Scotland by switching to a system of deemed consent would be popular and save lives.” Revelations of Mr Robinson’s bid to change the law came during a 90-minute Commons debate led by Labour MP Dan Jarvis, who raised Max’s case at Prime Minister’s Questions this week. He was sixth in the Private Member’s Ballot – meaning his Bill has a realistic chance of succeeding.
Mr Robinson added: “The support in Parliament is across all parties and I hope the Government responds positively.” Mr Jarvis said: “The Daily Mirror has run a very important campaign for some time and I would like to take this opportunity join with Mr Robinson in thanking them for the work they have done.” Labour’s Paul Flynn called our campaign “tabloid journalism at its very best”. He said “nobody in Wales has died for lack of an organ since the system was introduced” in 2015.
And he revealed it had saved at least 40 lives already. Nearly 10,000 people have signed our petition calling for a change in the law. After our first story on Max – who has an older brother, Harry, two weeks ago, 1,000 joined the organ donor register. The youngster, from Winsford, Cheshire, has an enlarged heart that is so weakened he needs a mechanical pump to help circulate his blood. He is being treated in a specialist centre at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle. Emma said: “At times we feel very lonely and there is an ever-present sadness for Max as he waits. The law condemns many to an unnecessary death due to a shortage of donors. Last year, 457 people in England died while on the waiting list. Another 875 became too poorly for transplant. The Mirror campaign has reassured me.” To sign the petition, log on to mirror.co.uk/all-about/changethe-law-for-life-campaign
It is a national scandal that so many people die waiting for transplants GEOFFREY ROBINSON LABOUR MP ON HIS BILL