Beggs gives backing to organ donation bill

East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs has voiced his support for party colleague Jo-anne Dobson’s private member’s bill on organ donation.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jun 2013, 00:00 BST
Roy Beggs MLA with Jo-anne Dobson MLA at the launch of her private Members Bill. INLT 23-695-CONRoy Beggs MLA with Jo-anne Dobson MLA at the launch of her private Members Bill. INLT 23-695-CON
Roy Beggs MLA with Jo-anne Dobson MLA at the launch of her private Members Bill. INLT 23-695-CON

And the Ulster Unionist representative has encouraged local people to engage in the consultation stage.

Mr Beggs said: “Throughout east Antrim, people are on waiting lists for organ transplants. Many have to endure renal dialysis three times a week at hospital, or more rarely at home.

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“There is clearly a need to encourage more organ donation and Jo-anne’s proposed bill is a worthy attempt to increase donation rates by moving from the current opt-in to a new opt-out system of organ donation, with appropriate family and other safeguards.

“At this stage, Jo-anne is putting her proposals out to public consultation until September. The public can get involved by filling in a simple online questionnaire at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ8DDZK

“Alternatively, the consultation booklet can be picked up at either of my two full-time advice centres on North Road Carrickfergus, or Station road, Larne.

“I fully support a change in the law, and this legislation could literally save lives,” Mr Beggs concluded.

Related topics:Roy BeggsEast AntrimStation RoadLarne