Nova Scotia mulling opt-out requirement for organ donations

Watch above: Nova Scotia is considering changing rules so people are presumed donors, unless they choose to opt out. Ross Lord explains.

HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s health minister says the government is considering reverse onus legislation that would require people to opt out if they don’t want their organs and tissues donated after they die.

Leo Glavine says his department wants to gauge public opinion on a policy that would see organs harvested unless an individual declines.

Glavine says a formal process for asking the public’s opinion will be rolled out, although the idea is still in the planning stages and there are no definite timelines.

He says the issue of organ donations has come across his desk on a number of occasions since the Liberals took office last October.

Premier Stephen McNeil says he personally believes it’s time for Nova Scotians to have a conversation about the possibility of adopting reverse onus legislation.

McNeil says he believes some opportunities for organ donations are lost because the wishes of a potential donor aren’t known.