The BMA says in a briefing paper that it believes that the introduction of an "opt-out" or presumed consent system for organ donation, with appropriate safeguards, would transform people's lives.

According to reports, the BMA briefing was examining the changes to the organ donation system that have taken place since the publication of the last major investigation by the Government-appointed Organ Donation Taskforce in January 2008.

Donation rates have improved by around 27% through the last four years, according to Tim Statham, chief executive of the National Kidney Federation, who recently warned that the Government will miss the 50% target set for 2013.

Following criticisms, Public Health Minister Anne Milton said the Government was on target to achieve a 35% increase in donor rates by March this year.

Reports say that in the briefing, the BMA points out that, even if the 50% target is met, people on transplant waiting lists will still be dying because of an organ shortage.