'Opt-out' organ donor system will treat people like 'clapped-out cars', opponents claim But opponents of the move argue that it could be counterproductive, undermining confidence in the system overall and even reduce the number of people giving consent. Joyce Robins of the campaign group Patient Concern said: "This legislation will result in human bodies being treated like clapped-out cars. You strip them of parts for reuse, unless the owner prefers to scrap the whole vehicle. It's outrageous to pretend that people feel no differently about a human heart from a used car horn. Religious leaders have also expressed concern, likening the proposed system to "conscription" as well as arguing that it could add to the distress of bereaved families. The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev Barry Morgan, has argued that while he believes the intentions are good, he fears it could have the reverse effect. Dr Peter Saunders, chief executive of the Christian Medical said the change was "unnecessary and unethical." "We strongly support organ donation but so-called presumed consent involves neither consent nor donation - it is neither voluntary nor informed and involves taking organs rather than giving them," he said. It means effectively that the state will be able to overrule families and there is a very real danger that it could also prove counterproductive and undermine trust leading to fewer rather than more donations. Do you think it's right to move to an 'Opt-out' organ donor system? But Andrew Copson, chief executive of the British Humanist Association, said the Welsh Assembly Government was setting a strong example for the rest of the UK. "This progressive legislation will mean more lives saved and reduce the demand for illegally trafficked organs while preserving individual freedom," he said. Regrettably, these proposals have previously been opposed by religious groups. We believe it is important to stress the facts of the proposals, and that a soft opt-out system provides rigorous protection for people who are opposed to organ donation for themselves, and for their recently deceased love ones. There are currently 226 people in Wales waiting for a transplant. Mr Drakeford said: "The legislation makes it clear if you are uncomfortable with being an organ donor, you have an absolute right in the simplest way possible to opt out of the system. You put your name on the organ donor register saying you don't want to be a donor and that is the end of the matter. This legislation is nothing to be scared of. If passed by assembly members, the presumed consent system could come into force by 2015. The new consent law would apply to over-18s who die in Wales if they have lived in Wales for more than 12 months. Organs made available under the system would be the same as the "opt-in" method - including kidneys, heart, liver, lungs and pancreas - and would not only go to donor patients in Wales. They could go anywhere in the UK. Despite praise from groups such as the Kidney Wales Foundation, there has been much debate over what role bereaved families would have. Mr Drakeford recently announced changes to give relatives a "clear right of objection" and also said organs would not be taken unless a family member is present.