D谩ith铆's Law: New organ donation rules come into effect in Northern Ireland today

Image source, Department of Health

Image caption, The new rules mean all adults in Northern Ireland are potential organ donors unless they say they don't want to be or are in an excluded group

From today, most adults in Northern Ireland will be considered an organ donor as D谩ith铆's Law comes into effect.

The new rules are named after D谩ith铆 Mac Gabhann, a six-year-old boy who needs a heart transplant himself.

D谩ith铆 campaigned to get the law changed, and was presented with a Points of Light award by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his efforts.

D谩ith铆's Law was passed in February, but has been delayed because the Northern Ireland government has not met for some time, due to a disagreement about some of the rules following Brexit.

What is D谩ith铆's Law?

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, A Points of Light award recognises people who are contributing to their community

Up until now, adults had to say if they wanted their organs to be donated after they die - they wouldn't be automatically be given away.

D谩ith铆's Law changes this, and means now all adults will automatically be registered as donors unless they say they don't want to be.

Image source, Liam McBurney

Image caption, D谩ith铆 Mac Gabhann celebrated on the steps of Stormont after the organ donation bill was passed

The only other groups of adults who won't be automatically registered are;

  • children under 18
  • people who lack the mental capacity to understand the change in law
  • visitors to Northern Ireland and temporary residents

Northern Ireland was the only place in the UK that didn't already have an opt-out organ donation system - in England and Wales, it's called Max and Kiera's Law.

Department of Health permanent secretary Peter May said that even though the law had changed, everyone would still have a choice.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, D谩ith铆 Mac Gabhann and his family led the campaign for the change to organ donation law

He said there had already been "increased awareness, discussion and support for organ donation during the law change process".

"We know that the vast majority of people here say that they support organ donation in principle but many people still haven't got round to signing the NHS Organ Donor Register or telling their families," said Mr May.

"By switching to an opt out system the hope is that this makes it easier for families to support donation."