Urgent appeal: Organ donations save lives – How is Germany doing?

Urgent appeal: Organ donations save lives – How is Germany doing?

In Germany, an alarming number of people are waiting for a donor organ. There are currently over 8,200 patients who are dependent on a rescue transplant. Around 1,000 of these affected people are waiting at the Hannover Medical School (MHH). The insufficient number of donors is the focus of a current discussion about organ donation, which will be deepened in a public talk at the MHH on February 27, 2025. This evening, experts from various fields will discuss solutions to increase the number of organs available. Dr. Axel Rahmel from the German Organ Transplantation Foundation describes the situation of the waiting patients as “dramatic” and calls for more commitment.

Despite a high level of support for organ donation by 85 percent of the population, only a few people have documented their decision in this regard. This is a key obstacle to improvements in organ donation. In its last session, the Bundestag did not yet vote on the urgent legislative initiative that would introduce an objection regulation for organ donation. Such a step would be intended to make it easier to consent to organ removal and thus increase the number of donors.

Considerations regarding the objection regulation

The objection regulation, which was discussed in the Bundestag on December 5, 2024, stipulates that people who do not explicitly object are considered potential donors. This bill (20/13804) was introduced by cross-party MPs to address the stagnating number of donors. The shortage of donor organs is blatant and, on top of that, around 8,400 patients are on the waiting list for a donor organ. A newly established register for declarations on organ and tissue donation has been active since March 2024 to improve the documentation of the will to donate organs.

The discussion about the contradiction solution polarizes the political camps. While SPD MPs like Sabine Dittmar are calling for a paradigm shift in organ donation, representatives of the FDP and AfD are expressing concerns. Kristine Lütke (FDP) emphasizes the right to self-determination, while Martin Sichert (AfD) sees the regulation as an infringement on personal freedom. CDU Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann supports the new regulation and appeals to the urgency of the decision in the interests of the patients.

The role of enlightenment

In order to increase the willingness to donate organs, comprehensive information among the population is necessary. This should include information about the objection regulation and the importance of organ donation. Prof. Dr. Armin Grau from the Greens raised important points by pointing out that relatives are only informed but not authorized to make decisions, except in the case of underage donors without their own declaration.

The upcoming event at the MHH is being organized by the HAZ and the university to promote discourse about organ donation. The talk will include, among others, Dr. Markus Quante, Dr. Frank Logemann, Dr. Gertrud Greif-Higer, Anita Wolf and Michael Gertzmann take part. Those interested can register via a link provided and HAZ readers have the opportunity to send their questions to the editorial team in advance. This event is free and offers everyone the chance to actively participate in this important discussion that could potentially influence the fate of many people.

Overall, the situation surrounding organ donation reflects both the need for political change and the need for better education. A shortage of donor organs remains a challenge that must be urgently addressed to reduce waiting lists and save the lives of affected people.