The opt out system
Scotland has an opt out system for organ and tissue donation. Everyone aged 16 or over has a choice to be an organ and tissue donor, or to opt out.
You can still choose whether or not you want to be an organ and tissue donor by registering your decision and telling your family. Your faith, beliefs and culture will always be respected.
Don’t leave your loved ones in doubt
If you’ve made your organ and tissue donation decision, it’s important to share your decision with your family and friends. Whatever your decision on donation, record it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your loved ones too. Knowing your decision will make it easier for them to ensure it is honoured.
If you choose to do nothing, then it will be assumed you agree to donate certain organs and tissue for transplantation, unless you are in a group for whom the opt out system doesn’t apply, or if donation would be against your views.
Only 1% of people will die in a way that makes organ donation possible, which is usually in a hospital intensive care unit. There may also be opportunities to donate tissue such as heart valves, tendons and corneas, from within a hospital setting.
You can register your donation decision and find out by calling 0300 123 23 23 or clicking the button below.
Will I be able to donate?
Healthcare professionals decide which organs and tissue are suitable to be donated. So don’t let age or health conditions stop you from registering your decision.
What happens if I don’t register my donation decision?
If you do not register a donation decision, it will be considered that you agree to donate certain organs and tissue, unless you are in a group whom the law doesn’t apply, or donation would be against your views – faith and beliefs are always respected.