Chapter 7 Key facts checklists

The Human Tissue Act 2004 is the governing statute for human tissue and organ transplantation in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Organ transplantation is successful and cost effective but is constrained by lack of donors.
The Act requires that ‘appropriate consent’ is given by potential donors prior to their death, or alternatively from a representative or qualifying relative.
Donation from living persons requires valid consent. Donation must be altruistic and non-conditional.
Ethical issues around organ transplantation relate to commercialisation, the definition of death, and justification for maintaining life until organs can be harvested.