Source: The Guardian

BY Rosemary McCabe

Organ donors will be asked if they want their religious beliefs to be considered before any donation goes ahead after their death, as part of a process intended to reassure people of faith and improve donation rates among minority communities.

The new faith and belief declaration will ask whether the donor would like NHS staff to speak with their family, or anyone else appropriate, “about how organ donation can go ahead in line with your faith and belief system.” If yes is ticked, specialist NHS nurses will ensure that a discussion about faith and belief takes place with the donor’s relatives.

It is hoped that the addition will show donors and families that organ donation is respectful of religious belief, encouraging more people to sign up as donors. It comes after an extensive government consultation with religious groups, the NHS said.