FOR the thousands of people waiting on an organ in England and their family and friends, the news that MPs earlier this year voted in favour of a change in the law towards presumed consent will be very welcome.

After many years of tireless campaigning, this is a positive step given that over the past decade, hundreds of people in South Central England have died while awaiting an organ transplant and every day, there is a similar picture throughout the rest of the UK, as too many people are needlessly die each year awaiting an organ.

Ultimately, an opt-out system will maximise the number of lives that can be saved by making it easier for those wishing to donate to do so — something that will be a source of comfort and hope for many.

Dr John Chisholm, BMA medical ethics committee chair.