WELLINGTON, New Zealand, April 12 (UPI) -- A New Zealand government agency has floated the idea that organ donation be automatic -- unless a donor expressly forbids it.
Under a proposal raised in a Health Ministry discussion document, authorities would have "presumed consent" from all citizens who die in New Zealand, the Wellington Dominion Post reported Monday.
The system would resemble one used in France.
New Zealand has one of the lowest rates of organ donation in the developed world. People now wait up to 30 months for a transplant.
Other options raised by the ministry include requiring organ and tissue donation to be discussed with all patients entering hospital, changing the law so that a potential donor's wishes must be followed regardless of whether family members give their consent, and continuing with the status quo.
Results of the review and public consultation will provide a basis for new legislation.
