Consent for organ transplantation and autopsies

The Human Tissue Act of 1983 had its origin in the first successful heart transplant operation performed by Professor Christiaan Barnard and his team in December 1967. Under the new constitution, however, the Act needs to be reviewed, because different ethical and legal demands. The Act is in some instances very controversial. For instance it is stated in the Act that the eyes of the deceased may be removed without the consent of the relatives. Although this may be allowable by law, it would be considered to be highly unethical and against the constitutional right of the individual. Regulations relating to the general control human bodies, the use of tissue, blood and gametes of living person and other issues currently covered by the Human Tissue Act will be revised and addressed in the proposed National Health Bill.