Coroner's Rule 9 is necessary for health protection: implications of possible legislative changes concerning the use of human organs and tissues.

Legislation around the retention and use of human organs and tissues is currently being reviewed to ensure that there is an appropriate emphasis on consent, human dignity and sensitivity towards bereaved relatives. In a public health emergency such as an outbreak of severe unexplained illness, the priorities are to treat the affected and prevent further cases. Human tissue retention can have a vital role to play and there may be a conflict of interest between individual and public health needs. It is essential to ensure that any legislative changes are compatible with effective and efficient responses to public health emergencies.