A lawmaker and an organ-donation advocate are urging the government to launch a comprehensive public education campaign and gauge public opinion before moving to an "opt-out" system to address what they see as Hong Kong's low donation rates.

Currently, the city uses a voluntary "opt-in" system, whereby individuals must proactively register their willingness to donate on the Centralised Organ Donation Register of the Department of Health. Even after registration, final consent from the family is required after death.

An "opt-out" system, by contrast, would presume consent for organ donation from everyone, while giving individuals the right to remove themselves from the register if they object.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, medical-sector lawmaker David Lam said the implementation of an "opt-out" system is worthy of discussing, given the long waiting lists for life-saving liver and kidney transplants.

However, he emphasised the need for broader "life and death education" to normalise conversations about donations.

"We shouldn't shy away from talking about death: everyone dies eventually," Lam said.

"We should discuss how to prepare for our own interests.

"If I still have one or more organs functioning in the world that can help others, recognising that death can lead to something beautiful is important.

"When more discussion happens, you'll naturally find that the specifics may not be as crucial as the overall societal approach.

"It depends on societal values and policy issues... It always depends on what is appropriate for society."

Echoing the call for dialogue, Chau Kar-foon, honorary president of the Hong Kong Transplant Sports Association, said she believes open discussions are key to raising public awareness.

She urged authorities to conduct surveys to understand current public sentiment.

Chau also stressed that continuous education and the sharing of powerful personal stories from donors and recipients can help shift public attitudes and ultimately increase the city's donation rates.