The Times reports claim that introduction of 'presumed consent' for the donation of vital organs is to be rejected by the UK government's Organ Donation Taskforce, thereby aiming to give the recent reform of the existing system a chance to work. The taskforce was set up in 2007 to explore ways of boosting transplants across the UK.

It is also reported that a radical change to the organ transplant laws in Britain could be started as early as 2013. If the number of lifesaving transplants has not increased by
50% by then, 'presumed consent' would be considered. Under the system, everyone would be on the organ donor register unless they opt out.

The caution on the part of the taskforce about presumed consent is understandable, as some critics believe it would be complicated to implement.

According to a source close to the taskforce, "The report will say that an opt-out system should be reviewed in five years' time but not immediately. It was a fairly close decision among members of the group. They were minded to go to an opt-out system but they wanted to see their other recommendations implemented first."

The taskforce report, which will be officially disclosed tomorrow, is also expected to call for health departments across the UK to set targets to increase the number of people signing the NHS organ donor register.

Talking about the opt-out system, a spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said: "The BMA continues to believe that alongside investment to build capacity in the transplant network, as recommended by the task force's first report, a move to a system of presumed consent will save lives."