Results from a YouGov survey published today found that almost two thirds, 64 per cent, of respondents felt that the UK should move to a system of presumed consent for organ donation. Furthermore, while 26 per cent of respondents said that they were on the NHS Organ Donor Register, 62 per cent said that they would be willing to donate their organs for transplantation after their death.

Dr Tony Calland, chair of the BMA’s Medical Ethics Committee said today that the figure demonstated that support for presumed consent is growing.

“People have obviously been moved by stories they read in the papers about how individuals are given a second chance of life by receiving a donated organ. We need to build on this support to ensure that people understand that there will never be compulsion to donate. There will always be a choice and people who do not wish to donate will be free to opt out. Discussions with the family should also continue before donation takes place.”

He stressed the importance of individuals discussing their wishes with their families, saying: “We know that many people who are willing to donate organs simply never get around to making their views known. We believe that the publicity that will precede the introduction of a new system will encourage people to think about their wishes and discuss them with their family.

"Those who do not wish to donate, for whatever reason, have the right to opt out and that wish must be respected. Surveys show that the majority of patients will not take this step and therefore the number of organs available for transplantation will increase.”

Lothians MSP George Foulkes, who has campaigned for the introduction of a system of presumed consent, welcomed the new figures today, saying: “This is an excellent result for people whose lives are affected by organ donation and transplantation as it means we have finally broken the barrier that was preventing this issue from being debated in parliament and becoming law. 

“Previous governments were concerned that there was a lack of public and professional support for a new system of presumed consent but that has now changed.  Chief Medical Officers in England, Scotland and Wales are now all in favour of an opt-out system and it is clear that the majority of people would be willing to donate and support a system that better accommodates their wish.”

He said he will now be seeking assurances from the Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon that she will introduce a new system of presumed consent in Scotland, adding: “If the SNP Government refuses to take this necessary life saving step then I will pursue my intention to introduce a Private Members Bill through the Scottish Parliament.”