Finland wants assumed donation of organs

(AFP PHOTO/LEON NEAL)

A bill making organ donation automatic unless a deceased person has previously expressed opposition is to be put before parliament next year, the government's social and health care ministry said in a statement.

Families in Finland are currently allowed to take decisions on organ donation if a person dies without having indicated their wishes, which happens in the majority of cases.

The bill will go before parliament in February and if adopted become law by August.

"The proposal's aim is to increase the amount of transplants," the government said in a statement.

Decisions on organ donation involving minors and adults in the care of guardians would still be made by family members.

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