Story perspectives

Wales' Organ Donation Law Shows Minimal Impact After 10 Years

12/4/2025

Summary

Story summary

Ten years after Wales began its opt-out organ donation law on 1 December 2015, the policy shows minimal impact on donor numbers.
The law presumes consent for organ donation unless individuals or families opt out.
Conner Marshall's mother described consenting to his organ donation wishes after his murder as humbling and stomach-wrenching.
NHS Blood and Transplant said presumed consent alone cannot resolve the gap between organ donation and transplantation.

1 of 1

Story summary

Ten years after Wales began its opt-out organ donation law on 1 December 2015, the policy shows minimal impact on donor numbers.
The law presumes consent for organ donation unless individuals or families opt out.
Conner Marshall's mother described consenting to his organ donation wishes after his murder as humbling and stomach-wrenching.
NHS Blood and Transplant said presumed consent alone cannot resolve the gap between organ donation and transplantation.