This type of burden reversal aims to increase the number of donors and donations. Nova Scotia was the first Canadian province to introduce this practice in January 2021, and donations have indeed increased greatly.

Specifically, Quebecers who do not wish to have their organs removed would be responsible for indicating their refusal by signing a sticker on the back of their health insurance card or by entering them on the refusal register.

Bill 194, proposing the “Post-Death Organ or Tissue Donation Presumption of Consent Act” was introduced Wednesday by Pontiac Assemblyman André Fortin. The liberal health critic had tabled the same law back in 2019, but the government had never presented the document to parliamentarians.

“This is a measure requested by many patients awaiting organ donation,” Mr Fortin said. It’s a law that’s easy to understand and pass, and there seems to be consensus between the different parties. »

This time, André Fortin believes the bill will pass as he believes he has the support of Health Minister Christian Dubé. The latter has also confirmed his interest in a press scrum.

“The topic is very important. A bit like medical assistance in dying, it is a project that should be a priority,” the minister commented, proposing to include it in the autumn programme.

“If we can improve the possibility for patients to receive organ donations, I think we should work on this in a non-partisan way,” he added, again referring to the collegial work in medical euthanasia.

Last words to loved ones

As before, the relatives of the deceased have the last word before the organ removal is carried out or not. This prerogative would remain in place under the proposed new law.

“Yes, family members should be able to continue to label a previous conversation they had with the deceased or their opposition, argues Mr Fortin. The family can always express their opposition. »

According to him, the educational work is partly in the hands of the medical teams. “This is where it becomes even more important for well-equipped medical professionals to talk to families,” he believes.

This right of veto over family members is also why people are strongly encouraged to discuss their desire to donate organs with those around them.

The Transplant Quebec organization, which coordinates the province’s organ donation process, responded in writing to the bill’s submission. He endorses “all measures to improve organ and tissue donation, beyond the question of consent”.

“In Quebec, improvements are needed to be able to save more lives, and these improvements must take place in a new specific and complete legal framework,” we argue. The organization also welcomes the interest of elected officials.

According to Transplant Québec data for 2022, 171 donors made possible the harvesting of 584 organs benefiting 483 people.

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