Moving to an opt-out system of organ donation in Scotland would “not necessarily” lead to more transplant operations taking place, the public health minister has said.
Michael Matheson spoke out as Holyrood debated a petition calling on ministers to introduce an opt-out system for organ donation.
Wales is introducing a new system of deemed consent at the end of next year, where organs can be taken for transplant unless people have made it clear they do not wish this to happen after their death.
Mr Matheson told MSPs the Scottish Government would monitor the situation in Wales to see what impact the change had.
But he stated: “It would be fair to say we remain unconvinced that we should make any move to introduce an opt-out system right now.
“I want to make sure that we keep this issue under review and learn from what happens in Wales, but we are making great progress here in Scotland with the programme of activity we have under way.”
The minister added: “People believe opt-out will mean more organs will become available but our own experts tell us this is not necessarily the case.
“The real issue that limits the number of donors is the number of people who die in circumstances where donation is possible.
“Unfortunately, to become an organ donor you really have to die in intensive care, and only about 1% of deaths in Scotland occur in these circumstances.”
Labour accused ministers of “pulling back” from a possible move to an opt-out system.
Rhoda Grant said: “Previously the Scottish Government had indicated support for a soft opt-out system, but today they appear to be pulling back from that.
“If they wait for an evaluation of the changes in Wales it will be well into the next decade before we see that change happening in Scotland, and that will be too late for pretty much everyone who is waiting.”
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