Family consent to deceased donation remains a concern in Britain

The Guardian has the story
Organ donation rates for transplants still too low in UK, says NHS
Consent rate one of lowest in Europe, with black, Asian and ethnic minority communities of particular concern

"A record number of organs were donated and transplanted in the UK in 2015-16 but the consent rate is still one of the lowest in Europe, with a worrying shortfall of donors from black or Asian communities.

In the 12 months to the end of March, 1,364 people became organ donors when they died and their donations resulted in 3,519 transplants taking place, figures published on Thursday show.

The consent rate stood at 62%, slightly up on 2012-13 when it was 57%, but well short of the target of 80% by 2020 with the biggest obstacle being family refusal, mostly when they were unaware of their deceased relative’s intentions.

The consent rate was much lower (34%) among potential black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) donors, which is of particular concern as 26% of the current waiting list are BAME."