Welsh Conservative MEP Dr Kay Swinburne has welcomed a vote in the European Parliament supporting her calls for clear safety standards for organ donations across the EU.
Plans to widen the criteria of people able to make living organ donations are also welcome, Dr Swinburne said today.
She added that the new rules approved by MEPs on Wednesday will increase confidence with cross-border donation and will save many lives.
MEPs now want each EU country to set up an authority that will oversee strict rules relating to the sourcing, traceability and safety of organs.
This would end the real and urban myth horror stories of the black market in organ donation.
The move will ensure donors are protected by providing an evaluation of the health of the donor and a list of the comprehensive risks about the dangers involved with donation.
It will also reassure recipients that living donation is not restricted to family or close friends so long as it is not for commercial gain.
Speaking after the vote Kay said,
“I am delighted MEPs have recognised that post mortem donations cannot achieve the supply of organs needs alone.
“We have set up controls and guidelines to ensure that living organ donation can be widened, potentially saving lives and enabling people outside of the immediate family circle to help if they want to.
“This move also reassures recipients of donated organs that they are fully traceable and safe.
“I now call on the European Commission to act quickly and turn this proposal into law. Every day wasted is a potential life lost.”
