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.
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