There have effectively been at least 100 fewer transplant operations this year, and that means 100 people may have died because of the unfavorable publicity," the organization said in a statement.
Some opponents of the law simply think that it is addressing the wrong health issue. Elizabeth ward, founder of the British Kidney Patients Association, supports legislation that would make organ donation automatic upon death. Those who choose not to donate would have to make a formal request. But Belgium began such a program several years ago, and it has had little effect. Doctors are reluctant to use the law.