Still, not being a registered organ donor does not mean it cannot happen in the event of someone’s death – and will simply require the consent of the person’s family.

However, the numbers remain low. It does at least appear that the number has increased slightly from 2018, when it stood at 3%.

PN MP Ivan Bartolo has called for a change in Malta’s organ donation laws that would see everyone considered a potential organ donor after they die unless they specifically voice their objection.

Organ donation is a topic very close to Bartolo’s heart, the PN MP having famously donated a kidney to a total stranger a few years ago.

The opt-out system, which has been implemented in the likes of England, France, Spain, Belgium, Croatia and Switzerland, presumes that a significant chunk of people wouldn’t mind donating their organs after they die but, for whatever reason, wouldn’t like to go through the registration process.  

How can you register to donate your organs?

Organ donation has the immense potential to save and improve lives, and one organ donor can save up to eight lives. 

Under Maltese law, any person over 16 may register their wish to donate or not to donate their organs after death.

The National Organ Donor Register is available for all residents of Malta.

You can register over here.

Would you donate your organs?