Victory for Griffin on Organ Donation Change
Mark Griffin MSP has welcomed a u-turn from the SNP Government on organ donation, with Ministers announcing plans to establish a soft opt-out system.
The issue has been championed by
Mark Griffin for many years, following the tragic death of his father, former
Kilsyth Councillor Francis Griffin. Francis died almost a decade ago shortly
after a transplant, having been on a waiting list for many years.
Mr Griffin moved forward with a Members Bill following the 2016 Scottish
Parliament election, fighting alongside relatives and campaigners for the
change in organ donation law.
The SNP’s change of heart has been welcomed as a victory for Mr Griffin and all
campaigners.
Mark Griffin MSP said:
“I welcome the move to a soft opt-out system for organ donation, something I
have been fighting to secure for many years. This long overdue change will
increase the number of organs available for transplant and see many more lives
saved throughout Scotland.
“Scotland has been trailing behind other countries on this important issue for
far too long and there was deep disappointment when SNP MSPs voted down
Labour’s plans to change the law in the last parliament. I am pleased that the
SNP Government has had a change of heart. This success is a result of the hard
work of relatives, campaigners, transplant recipients and those still waiting
for life-saving organs. Particular tribute has to be paid to Anne McTaggart,
former Labour MSP for Glasgow, who has long championed this cause and whose
Member’s Bill I took on after the most recent Holyrood election.
“People waiting for organs require swift action so they can live fuller, healthier lives. The SNP Government has finally seen sense on this matter and they must now move quickly.”
RSS
