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Japan scrap child organ transplant ban

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-18 16:47

TOKYO - Japan's lower house on Thursday voted to scrap the age limit for organ transplants, clearing the way for transplants in Japan for people under 15.

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The bill was approved by 263 against 167 votes, House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono announced.

The bill is one of four amendment proposals for the Organ Transplant Law, which currently allows people aged 15 or older to become organ donors. Under the law, people can donate organs only if they declare their intentions to do so while they are still alive and if their family members agree to it.

The endorsed amendment bill scraps the age limit, allowing organ donations if family members agree, unless the prospective donor has clearly said no. Children under 15 can also receive transplants under the bill.

The bill also recognizes people who are brain dead as legally dead.