Health and Sport Committee Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Bill: Submission from: The Mason Institute for Medicine, Life Sciences and the Law, University of Edinburgh, School of Law

This response is provided in response to the Committee’s call for views on the Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Bill (‘the Bill’). We note that the Committee is seeking views on the following questions, which we address in turn below:
* What do you think are the key strengths and weaknesses of the proposals to introduce 'deemed authorisation' for those who have not made their wishes on organ donation known?
* What do you think are the key strengths and weaknesses of the plans for authorisation of pre-death procedures?
* Do you have any other comments to make on the Bill?
In summary, the MI recognises and supports the policy objectives of the Bill, but would emphasise that legislation is but one step towards improving transplantation rates, and that a holistic package of measures (both regulatory, social and ethical) are necessary to secure these policy objectives.