Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams says a comprehensive public education campaign will be critical to the success of the Human Tissue Transplant Bill, as he sought to reassure Barbadians that the legislation contains robust safeguards against abuse, organ trafficking and unethical transplant practices.

Speaking during debate on the proposed legislation in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Abrahams acknowledged that Barbadians have no established culture of organ donation and that many people remain fearful about donating organs after death.

The legislation itself requires a public education programme to help people understand the benefits of transplantation and the safeguards designed to protect donors and recipients, he added.