Max and Keira's law takes effect in England

As of 20 May 2020, the law around organ donation in England has changed.

Also known as the opt-out system, Max and Keira’s law means that all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor if those circumstances arose, unless they have recorded their decision not to donate.

Families will still be approached, and the faith, beliefs and culture of those concerned will still be respected.

Max and Keira’s law was named after nine-year-old heart transplant recipient Max Johnson, and his donor Keira.

In December 2016, Max was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and his family were told that he had a 33 per cent chance of getting better, a 33 per cent chance of requiring a heart transplant and a 33 per cent chance of passing away. Shortly after, Max was added to the urgent transplant list.

In 2017, Max was given the incomparable gift of life by nine-year-old Keira Ball, and has since been campaigning for an opt-out system for organ donation.

Max and Keira’s law was advocated heavily by Jim and Save9Lives, and we are so proud to finally see this law come into fruition.