Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé wants to work with opposition parties to increase access to organ donation.
“A bit like medical assistance in dying, this is a project that should be given priority,” said Mr. Dubé, before entering the Cabinet meeting. The minister mentioned that he could look into the matter as early as next fall.
On Tuesday, Liberal MP André Fortin questioned the Minister on this subject during the study of budgetary appropriations in the National Assembly. The official opposition health critic on Wednesday reintroduced a 2019 bill aimed at presuming the consent of all Quebecers in matters of organ donation, except for those who have expressed their refusal to their alive.
A modification of the Civil Code of Quebec in this regard “would make it possible to have a greater number of donors and thus save the lives of more Quebecers”, argues the Liberal Party of Quebec, in a press release.
At the present time, in Quebec, you must rather have given your prior authorization to be able to donate organs or tissues after your death.
As part of his Health Plan, Minister Dubé had undertaken to initiate a reflection on simplifying consent to organ donation. In addition to the opposition parties, he says he wants to work on this subject with organizations like Transplant Québec.
A “broad debate”
It is necessary to hold a broader debate on the issue with organizations, but also health professionals, according to PQ MP Joël Arseneau.
These discussions must take place “sooner rather than later”, he stresses. But the most important thing is to get it right, he adds, given that organ donation is a sensitive subject.
Mr. Arseneau welcomes the tabling of the Liberals’ bill, which constitutes a “call to action” for the government. “I think everyone wants us to be able to save more lives and to do so with respect for everyone’s values. »