ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher is urging Canberrans to take the opportunity to use DonateLife Week to discuss with their families and loved ones what they want to happen to their organs and tissue when they die.
“In Australia, family members will always be asked to confirm the wishes of the deceased before donation or transplantation can proceed. Families that have discussed and know each other’s wishes are more likely to uphold those wishes,” Chief Minister Gallagher said.
The Chief Minister stated that the aim for DonateLife Week will help increase family consent rates and will result in more Australians receiving organ and tissue transplants. The ACT Legislative Assembly recently passed the Transplantation and Anatomy Amendment Bill 2011. The Chief Minister pointed out that the bill was designed to streamline the process for organ and tissue donation in the Territory and ensure consistency with corresponding legislation in New South Wales.