In order to increase the organ donor New zeal land has drafted an amendment to update current legislation.The bill,known as the The Human Tissue (Organ Donation) Amendment Bill 2006, was submitted to the parliamentary ballot last Friday.If the bill is drawn out of the bi-monthly ballot and passed by Parliament,the law would change so that no one could overturn the wish of a donor,including next of kin.
The bill also would allow those aged 18 and over to register as donors.Organ donation has become a big problem in New Zealand.The current system of recording details on licences is only an indicator of a person's wishes.It is not legally binding, and family members can veto the decision.
There is also a move,to establish a register, not just for those with a driver licence,to record the individual's legally binding wish to donate organs, or not to donate.
In newzeal land alone there are more than 400 people awaiting transplants and nearly 2000 people on dialysis.As always bottom line is the awareness on the vitues of
organ donation is the key.
Currently, only patients from intensive care units can donate as else where only a limited number of ICU beds available in New Zealand which inturn affects the
number of donors.