A campaign which sets out to raise awareness of the upcoming change in law around
organ donation in England was launched at a packed meeting of Hindus and Jains in
Parliament on 10 July 2019.

The meeting was chaired by Lord Jitesh Gadhia and the chief guest was the Rt Hon
Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Hindus and Jains are generally positive about organ donation but there is a huge need
to explain organ donation to members of both communities in the context of the change
in law, which will come into force in England from spring 2020.

Lord Jitesh Gadhia said:
The forthcoming change in the law has provided a new impetus to understand how
Organ Donation impacts the British Indian community and how we can best respond
and get ready. It is particularly important to understand the facts and not be taken-in
by fake news.

I do appreciate that what happens at the time of death is always a sensitive topic in all
cultures. There is natural human instinct to mentally block-out this subject. But I
sincerely believe that we owe it to ourselves and our families to have these difficult
conversations at an early stage. It falls into the same category as writing a will.
The legal change allows us to influence social acceptance and gain access to new
resources such as the Government’s Community Investment Fund and the Faith

Specific Donor Card. It also allows us to push for appropriate investment in shortage
areas such as the recruitment of Specialist Nurses for Organ Donation, ensure that
we collect the right data to inform policy and not forget about the vital role which living
donation can also play.

A national group called the Jain and Hindu Organ Donation (JHOD) steering group
was established last year to lead on this work. JHOD has been working in partnership
with NHS Blood and Transplant, the organisation responsible for organ donation
across the UK, in developing videos and leaflets on the change in law from a Hindu
and Jain perspective.

Rt Hon Matt Hancock said
“I was delighted to join the Jain and Hindu Organ Donation event on Wednesday. This
campaign is a brilliant example of the community-based work that is vital to raising
awareness and understanding around organ donation. When the change in law comes
into force next year, everyone must be provided with the right information and support
to make the best possible choice for themselves.

“It was inspiring to see so many supporters from the Hindu and Jain communities come
together for this new campaign, stimulating conversation on this important topic. My
heartfelt thanks to everyone who has worked on this campaign.”
Mille Banerjee, Chair of the NHSBT Board, spoke at the meeting and said
“It is wonderful to see so many Hindus and Jains coming together to show their support
for the organ donation law change which will come into force next year. It is so
important for people to keep talking about organ donation and sharing their decision
with their families.

I would like to personally congratulate all of those working so hard to raise awareness
of organ donation across the country and amongst different communities and religious
groups. I very much hope that these fantastic efforts will see more people prepared to
donate and ultimately more lives saved.”

JHOD will now encourage Hindus and Jains to start talking about organ donation in
the lead up to the law coming into force next year.

Kirit Modi, Chair of JHOD steering group said

“We have a unique opportunity over the next nine months to encourage members of
the Hindu and Jain communities to make a decision about organ donation based on
facts. Many Hindu and Jain communities are keen to get this information to their local
community members. JHOD is ready to support such activities by offering practical
support by using the extensive experience of members of its steering group. Hindus
and Jains can make a significant contribution to organ donation and help save lives”.
There was great enthusiasm and support for organ donation expressed at the meeting
and many community leaders present at the meeting responded positively to the “Call
to Action” to meet this challenge.
For more information about the change in the law around organ donation in England
and for information on the Jain perspective on organ donation, visit:
www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East:

“This is a very serious issue and I am happy that we now have an ongoing dialogue
and the event on Wednesday evening is testament to the progress made. Religious
leaders can greatly aid the cause by promoting the donation of organs to enable
transplants to take place as a part of their sewa.”

Key points to remember:

• From spring 2020, the law around organ and tissue donation in England is
  changing
• All adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own
  organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of
  the excluded groups.
• Excluded groups include: those under 18, people who lack mental capacity,
  visitors to England, those not living here voluntarily and people who have lived in
  England for less than 12 months before their death
• Adults covered by the change will still have a choice whether they want to be an
  organ donor and their families will still be involved before organ donation goes
  ahead
  Whatever your decision, make your choice clear to your family and closest friends
  to ensure your choice is honoured

Ends

For media enquiries, photos or interviews, please contact Suzi Browne at NHS Blood
and Transplant (suzanne.browne@nhsbt.nhs.uk), Arjun Gadhvi
(gadhvia@parliament.uk) or Kirit Modi (kiritmodi1@hotmail.com)

Notes to Editors

A recent survey of attitudes to organ donation of Indians in the UK conducted
by NHS Blood and Transplant found that about 50% support organ donation,
about 40% have not decided yet and about 10% do not support organ
donation.