Jeremy Hunt launches opt-out organ donation plans in England

System would presume consent but experts criticise plans, saying there is no yet evidence that opt-out policies increase donation

The health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, is to launch plans for an opt-out system of organ donation, asking people to overcome their "fatal reluctance" to discuss the issue with family and friends.

Under the plans, everybody in England would be presumed to be happy to donate their organs on their death, unless they have signed up to a register stating that they do not want that to happen. In practice, however, it is unlikely that organs would be taken against the wishes of the family.