Opt-out system for organ donation set to come into force on 1 January
Tynwald will be asked to approve a landmark transition to an opt-out system for organ donation at its July sitting.
If approved, the move will bring the Island into line with the UK and Channel Islands.
Called Daniel's Law, the legislation is named in memory of Daniel Boyde, a young Isle of Man resident who tragically died following a road accident.
Daniel's heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys were donated, saving four lives.
"The opt-out law doesn’t take away choice - it encourages you to make your decision, share it with your loved ones, and let them honour your final wishes." - Diane Taylor
His mother, Diane Taylor, has been a tireless campaigner for greater awareness of organ donation in the Isle of Man.
Diane says: ‘Never did I imagine being asked about organ donation after being told my teenage son was gone, with only a machine keeping him alive. Daniel’s father and I had to make this heart-wrenching decision at the most traumatic time of our lives.
‘We never thought about needing a life-saving transplant, and yet every day someone dies waiting for one - this includes babies and children. While we are sure Daniel would have wanted to help others, I wish we had talked about it more so I could say 100% yes.
‘My hope for ‘Daniel’s Law’ is that everyone considers their own organ donation choices. The opt-out law doesn’t take away choice - it encourages you to make your decision, share it with your loved ones, and let them honour your final wishes.'
She added: ‘I am incredibly proud that the law is named after him, and I know that the rest of Daniel’s family, along with everyone who knew him, feels the same. It’s a lasting legacy for a young man who would do anything to help anyone - and in death, saved four lives.'If approved the Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act Codes of Practice and Secondary Legislation will come into force on 1 January, 2026.
This means adults over 18 who have not opted out and are not in an excluded group will be presumed to consent to organ donation upon death.
However, families will always be consulted before any donation proceeds.
The documents being presented to Tynwald are eight Codes of Practice and six pieces of Secondary Legislation, which include:
- Code of Practice A – Guiding principles and the fundamental principles of consent, dignity, quality, and honesty.
- Code of Practice F Part Two – Deceased organ and tissue donation, providing guidance on consent procedures and the roles of stakeholders.
- Human Tissue and Organ Donation (Ethical Approval, etc.) Regulations 2025– Establishing the Isle of Man Research Ethics Committee (IOMREC) for ethical approval of research.
- Human Tissue and Organ Donation (Licensing) Regulations 2025– Prescribing licensing fees, forms, and procedures for supporting the human tissue licensing framework.
Cabinet Office Minister, David Ashford is piloting the legislation through Tynwald:
Organ donation decisions can be made via the NHS Organ Donor Register website, through the NHS app or by calling 0300 123 23 23.
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