PITY II - The Human Tissue Bill

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The Human Tissue Bill - 04/12/2003

The PITY II aim of 'Never Again!' took a step closer to fulfilment today as legislation was published by ministers.

"This Bill will enshrine consent as the clear basis for the keeping and use of tissue and organs". John Reid, Secretary of State for Health.

The Bill will endeavour to ensure that:

Organs and tissue are not retained without proper consent; this will be regulated by the Human Tissue Authority which is expected to replace the Retained Organs Commission
Illegal retention of organs and tissue will be deemed as criminal and punishable by law
Second, third or more funerals are a nightmare of the past and its like never witnessed again
Organisations [institutional and commercial] wanting to use retained organs and tissue must be licensed and subject to inspection; and appropriate, accurate and valid consent must have been obtained from relatives
The taking of human tissue without informed consent will be an offence
The selling of human bodies and/or body parts/tissue and/or storing any of them/or part thereof will also be an offence

Paula O'Leary, one of the founders of PITY II One of the founders of PITY II, Paula O'Leary said "This [Bill] is definitely a good move. We have been fighting for this law for four years and when it was announced in the Queen's Speech last week, I could do nothing but cry. It brought back memories, but it shows some good has come out of what PITY II is all about.

We needed this law and this threat of prison sentences. We can't just give a fine or a smack on the back of the wrist or other parents will be sitting in the same position we are sitting in now. We would not have settled for anything else. If someone does do this again, they should go to gaol for a long time".

John Reid MP - Secretary of State for Health John Reid, the Secretary of State for Health said "We know, from the Bristol, Alder Hey and Isaacs Inquiries, that the removal and keeping of organs and tissue without consent took place on a large scale.

It was a tragedy for the families affected, unacceptable and took place in a weak legislation. This legislation will ensure that this does not happen again. This Bill will enshrine consent as the clear basis for the keeping and use of tissue and organs".

The British Medical Association Council Chairman stated that "The public needs reassurance that strict guidelines and procedures govern the use of tissues that are used for donation or research purposes".

PITY II has stated "We welcome the publication of the new Human Tissue Bill and we pay tribute to all families who have worked hard to achieve this.

We know that over the next few months work will still need to be done to make sure that the Bill is passed through parliament without too many amendments and that we will continue to monitor its passage.

Although we know that this cannot change what has happened to our families, we feel that it is a legacy for them. We thank parents for their continuing support".

PITY II (Parents who have Interred Their Young Twice) is the parents' support group set up in the wake of the organ retention scandal
at Alder Hey Hospital (Liverpool, UK). It aims to provide self help support and advice to affected families.

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