Max and Keira’s Law – the Organ Donation (Deemed consent) Act, came into effect yesterday, 20 May 2020.
Under the new law, all adults in England are considered as having agreed to dontate their organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate (known as ‘opting out’) or are in one of the excluded groups.
It was named after Keira Ball, who died aged nine in 2017, and Max Johnson, now aged 12, who was saved by her heart under the care of the Freeman Hospital.
Max who was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in December 2016 fronted the Mirror’s ‘Change the Law for Life’ campaign while he waited for his life saving transplant.
Professor Stephen Clark, consultant cardiac and transplant surgeon and director of heart and lung transplantation at the Freeman Hospital said: “This is amazing news for those on the waiting list and for our transplant programme. The gift of organ donation will save lives and restore quality of life for many patients and their families.
This change in law is a major step forward and will bring great hope for many as organ donation will rise as a result. Presumed consent has been very successful strategy in many other countries and we are excited now to join them and bring great benefit to our patients and their loved ones.”
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, said “We are very pleased that Max and Keira’s Law has passed its final round of parliamentary approval and we welcome the new legislation.
“It is important that people know they will still have a choice whether or not to donate. Families will still be consulted, and people’s faith, beliefs and culture will continue to be respected.
“We hope this law change will prompt all of us to consider whether or not we would want to donate our organs and encourage us all to register and share our decision with our family and friends.
We want people to know that there is no deadline to making your donation decision, you can register your choice at any time.
“We will continue to provide the very best care and support to organ donors and their families, in order to help save more lives through the gift of organ donation.”
Max’s time at the Freeman Hospital was captured as part of a special documentary and you can still view moving clips of Max’s journey, including when he found out he had his heart here.
Yesterday was a proud and poignant day for Max and Keira’s families who have been remarkable in their campaign to get the law changed. Read more about Max and Keira’s Law here.
