Next month changes to the organ donation law come into effect in Wales.

On December 1, Wales will become the first country in the UK to introduce a soft opt-out system for organ donation. The new system will make it easier for people to make a decision about whether or not they want to become organ donors.

Under the new system, if people have not registered a decision to become an organ donor (opted in) or a decision not to become an organ donor (opted out), they will be considered as having no objection to being an organ donor – this is known as deemed consent.

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said: “With just one month to go until the organ donation law changes, it’s very important everyone is aware of the changes to the law and what their organ donation choices will be.

“Organ donation saves lives and I hope this new law will help save many more lives.

“The It’s Time to Choose campaign encourages people to have a conversation about organ donation with their family and loved ones and I hope people will continue talking about their organ donation decisions.”

From December 1, your choices will be -

If you want to be a donor you can:

Register a decision to become an organ donor (opt in) or

Choose to do nothing and have your consent deemed. By doing nothing you are regarded as having no objection to becoming an organ donor.

If you do not want to be a donor you can:

Register a decision not to be a donor (opt out).

If you register a decision to become an organ donor, you will be able to choose to donate all your organs and tissues or select the specific organs or tissues you wish to donate.

Many families refuse organ donation if they do not know what their loved one wanted. Whatever your organ donation decision is, make time to talk with your loved ones.

To find out more:

Or call 0300 123 23 23.