Organ donation rules change in NI as Dáithí’s Law takes effect

Most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered potential organ donors as Dáithí’s Law has come into effect.

The legislation is named after six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who needs a heart transplant.

The law was passed in February with the support of the UK government after it was delayed because of the political stalemate at Stormont.

Northern Ireland was the only part of the UK where an opt-out organ donation system was not in place.

The intent of the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) legislation, known as Dáithí’s Law, is to increase the number of organs available to people in need of a transplant.

The new legislation changes the way consent is granted.