One in 10 Scots could refuse to donate organs

ONE in ten Scots may opt out of a system aimed at boosting organ donation according to a study.

The law is changing in an attempt to raise the number of transplants each year.

Over-16s will be assumed to have consented to their organs being donated unless they have signed an opt-out.

But a University of Stirling study found almost 10 per cent of people plan to do so, or are unsure whether they want to be presumed to be organ donors.

Though more than half of Scots are on the Organ Donor Register, ministers want to introduce presumed consent to increase donation rates.

But the study shows opinion on the issue is divided.

The researchers say current strategies, including campaigns, may not be working because some people simply do not like the idea of agreeing to become an organ donor.

Around 580 Scots are on the transplant waiting list – and one in ten die before they get the donation they need.

Legislation was tabled at Holyrood this year to introduce an opt-out system.

But the Stirling University research found some have strong ‘emotional barriers’ to organ donation.

These include a mistrust of doctors and fears their organs might be taken before they are actually dead, as well as feeling that the idea of organ donation is ‘disgusting’.

Other ‘emotional barriers’ include believing signing up might act as a ‘jinx’ and bring about the person’s death, and believing the body should remain whole after death.

An opt-out system has been in place in Wales since 2015 and there are plans for a similar scheme in England by 2020.

Researcher Jordan Miller said: ‘We found participants who plan to opt out of the proposed system reported heightened emotional barriers towards organ donation. Concerns that it would violate the physical integrity of the body was a particularly important barrier in this group.’

Miss Miller added: ‘Our study considered a myth-busting strategy currently employed by the NHS – and other healthcare providers worldwide – where myths and misconceptions about organ donation are corrected with factual information.

‘We found this approach had no effect on increasing donor intentions in those planning to opt-out.

‘Interventions that target feelings and emotions may be more effective at overcoming deepset emotional beliefs and increasing donor intentions.’

The researchers surveyed 1,202 people in the UK.

Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs said: ‘This is clearly an emotive issue which divides opinion.

‘The arguments for an optout system are clear and well-rehearsed.

‘It’s vital that SNP ministers take the Scottish public with them on this journey to reform automatic organ donation consent.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘This is a complex and sensitive issue and the guiding principle behind the proposed system, as with the current system, is to honour the donation decision that a person has made in life.

‘Families and loved ones are vital in representing the views of the potential donor and we would encourage people to discuss their views and decision about donation with those closest to them.’

‘Myths and misconceptions’