LAW ON ORGAN DONATION

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Minister for Health whether and when the Government will introduce an "Opting-out" law in respect of organ donation and whether Muslims will be affected.

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: The Government is in favour of the introduction of legislation for organ donation. Government is finalising the details of the proposed legislation. It will introduce the Bill in Parliament when it is ready. The legislation will make provisions for persons who do not wish to donate their organs after death to register their objections. Safeguards will also be incorporated to ensure that no organ will be improperly removed. After consultation with the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), it has been decided that Muslims will be excluded from the proposed legislation. For purposes of receiving transplants Muslims who opt in under the existing Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act will be treated on the same basis as non-Muslims who have not opted out under the proposed legislation.