Quebec bill could increase organ donations

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A invoice launched within the Nationwide Meeting could possibly be a significant change in how organ donations are dealt with in Quebec. Somewhat than requiring proof of consent of a deceased affected person, their standing as an organ donor can be assumed till proof of the opposite.

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This reversal of the burden of proof would improve the variety of donors. Nova Scotia turned the primary Canadian province to undertake this observe in January 2021 and the variety of donations elevated considerably.

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Invoice 194 was launched Wednesday by Liberal well being critic André Fortin, copying an identical invoice launched in 2019 that was by no means voted on. It might require Quebecers who don’t wish to be organ donors to signal a sticker on the again of their medical insurance card or register on an inventory of refusals.

“It’s a invoice that’s simple to grasp, simple to undertake and appears to have consensus of the assorted events,” Fortin stated, explaining that the change has been requested by many sufferers who’re awaiting organ transplants.

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Well being Minister Christian Dubé advised journalists he helps the thought.

“The difficulty is essential,” he stated, suggesting or not it’s added to the agenda within the fall. “A bit like medical assist in dying, it’s a venture that must be a precedence” and debated in a “non-partisan means.”

As is the case at present, the final phrase goes to the household of the deceased earlier than the removing of organs.

“The household can at all times oppose,” Fortin stated.

In accordance with information from Transplant Québec for 2022, 171 donors resulted in 584 organs being transplanted to 483 individuals.

This story was produced with the monetary help of the Canadian Medical Affiliation. La Presse Canadienne is the one one liable for its editorial selections.