The Ministry of Social Affairs has created a new plan. The plan changes the rules for the use of blood, tissues, cells, and organs.
The Defense Forces and the Defense League now have the right to collect blood during crisis or war situations. They do not need to obtain the usual activity permit.
Jelizaveta Ter-Minasjan, an advisor at the Ministry of Social Affairs, said that the Defense Forces can collect blood from volunteers. They can share blood with hospitals and blood centers. They can also perform blood transfusions for patients.
During a crisis, the Defense Forces may make minor changes to blood usage safety rules. This is done when people's lives depend on receiving blood quickly.
The Ministry of Social Affairs wants to enable Estonian units and allies to share blood with each other. Currently, this is very difficult because there is no legal basis.
The ministry also plans to change artificial insemination laws. Women will not need to be married to receive artificial insemination. This requirement will change.
Currently, the Health Insurance Fund finances artificial insemination up to the age of 40. The Ministry of Social Affairs is discussing whether this age limit should be raised.
All changes are made in cooperation with professional associations and experts. Decisions are not made solely by officials.