Parents of Prince Edward Island children under 16 who want to be an organ or tissue donor will now be able to honour their child’s wishes by registering them on the intent to donate registry. Previously, only residents 16 years of age and older were able to register their intent to donate organs and/or tissue after death. The province notes, if the situation arises, parents and legal guardians will continue to be approached for organ and tissue donation consent. “Having these discussions with your loves ones ensures that your wishes are honoured in the event of a medical emergency. This change in policy now allows parents and legal guardians to have these conversations with their child before they turn 16 and register on their behalf. Once a child turns 16, they are encouraged to register their intent themselves,” said Health and Wellness Minister Mark McLane in a news release from the province. P.E.I.’s intent to donate registry allows people to either opt in or opt out of organ and tissue donation. “Families will always be asked to provide consent if donation is possible,” reads the release. The province says 63.6 per cent of Islanders have chosen to opt in to donation on the registry. P.E.I. resident Woodrow Bishop’s child is currently awaiting a heart transplant. He’s been advocating for the province to change the consent rule for those under 16. “Our family would like to thank the Department of Health and Wellness for making these changes,” said Bishop. “It is great that families can now have those discussions as a family ahead of time, so that everyone understands the importance of organ and tissue donation. There is no better legacy to leave behind than knowing you helped saved other lives.” Islanders can register their intent to donate online or when renewing or applying for a PEI Health Card. For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
