Human Transplantation (Wales) Bill

We have, as a local Quaker meeting, considered the ethical and practical implications of this Bill which has been introduced to the National Assembly.

We appreciate that our comments may reach the committee too late for its consideration, but nevertheless hope that our response may have some bearing on discussions.

We have arranged for this minute to be sent to Cytun, the ecumenical body with which we are in membership.

We realise that not everyone will support the intentions of the Bill feeling that an 'opt-in method', as currently available, best protects individual and communal sensibilities.

However, overall, we feel that there is nothing to impede support for the Bill, given the finality of our physical being and the possibility that our remains might assist others to lead fuller, longer lives. This is then a matter of showing compassion with those who are in ill-health, where the availability of organ transplantation is a solution to their predicament, giving them and their families hope, in that light it will offer consolation to many. The offering of an organ is both a gift and a legacy

This Bill gives truth to the fact that we all belong to the one society of which we are part, and its outcome should not be seen as a desecration of long held views, and may lead to people gaining a clearer understanding of their own deaths and mortality.

We are concerned that in certain cases, keeping people alive so that their organs can be harvested at a suitable time for medical purposes should be safeguarded. We cannot support any intention that sees organs having a commercial value, and it is therefore essential that control of the procedures and processes be always in the hands of the National Health Service.

It is essential to give people time to come to terms with the legislation if it is passed, so that the concept is familiar to everyone. The needs of those moving to live into Wales is worthy of close attention.

We are particularly sensitive to the demands and challenges that the legislation may give to some professionals, especially those on grounds of conscience who do not support its intentions.

Gethin Evans

Clerk for this time.