Brazilian law on organ donors sparks controversy

The Brazilian Minister of Health, Carlos Albuquerque, has announced the launch of a campaign to inform the public about a controversial new law on organ donation.

Under the legislation, which came into effect this month, doctors can remove the organs of any recently deceased Brazilian, unless the person has stated on their identity card or driving licence that they don't want to donate.

The government says the law will solve the country's chronic shortage of available organs for transplant; but opponents to the new legislation, including doctors and ordinary citizens, say there are not enough safeguards to avoid abuses.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service