12 years have passed since the Organ Transplant Law was enacted in Japan. Criticism of Japanese people having had organ transplants overseas has propelled Japanese government to reform the Organ Transplant Law last month. There are three major changes.
First, brain death is accepted as death. Before the amendment, brain death was diagnosed only when the patients expressed their will to be donors. If the new terms for brain death are accepted by all people, the number of potential organ donors will increase.
Second, the new law doesn’t necessarily require the deceased person’s will for organ donation. Previously, the donor had to express their will, and the family to agree, in order to donate their organs. According to the new amendment, a family can decide whether or not to donate the deceased family member’s organs, unless the patient expressed prior disagreement with organ donation.The reform will lower the legal hurdle for organ transplants.
Third, the age limit for young donors will be lifted. Under the current law, children younger than 15 years old can’t donate their organs as brain death diagnosis in children is difficult. The age limit made many parents seek for organ donors abroad. Not all children could receive transplant surgery abroad as it requires a large amount of money. The new law will be a boon to children suffering from severe diseases.
Although the reform of the law will not be enough to change the current situation, it will give patients who are waiting for organ transplants a better chance.
In addition to the amendment, Japanese government should prepare organ transplant coordinators who can help bereaved families make the right decision. Also we need more hospitals and doctors who can perform organ transplants. Above all, our government should provide proper education for us to understand organ transplants in order to help patients in need .
