German States Push for Opt-Out Organ Donation to Ease Shortage
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and several other German states have joined forces to introduce an opt-out system for organ donation. This move comes as the number of organ donations falls short, particularly in NRW, and the waiting list grows, causing significant patient suffering. The Westphalia-Lippe Chamber of Physicians (AKWL) welcomes this initiative, stressing that fears of misuse are unfounded.
The current presumed consent system has failed to boost donation rates, despite numerous reforms. In 2024, NRW's donation rate was notably lower than the national average. The AKWL urgently calls for an increase in organ donations, with around 1,800 donor organs needed in NRW alone, and over 8,000 people nationwide waiting for transplants. The opt-out system would alleviate the burden on relatives, who would no longer have to make a decision in a stressful situation. Under this new system, all adults will be considered organ donors by default, unless they actively opt out. The brain death diagnosis, used to determine eligibility for organ donation, is a safe, transparent, and scientifically sound procedure.
NRW and other states have filed a constitutional complaint against quality assurance measures related to organ donation and transplantation laws. The AKWL supports the opt-out system as a means to increase organ donations and reduce patient suffering on the waiting list. The chamber assures the public that fears of misuse in the organ donation process are unfounded.
