German Lawmakers Push for Opt-Out Organ Donation Vote Before Upcoming Election

A cross-party initiative seeks to increase organ donation rates by introducing a system where individuals are presumed donors unless they explicitly object.

• Supporters of the opt-out organ donation system aim to hold a parliamentary vote before the February 2025 Bundestag election.
• The proposal has garnered 223 co-signers, including prominent politicians like Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
• The opt-out system would make all adults organ donors by default unless they formally register their objection.
• Critics of the plan argue that international studies show no clear evidence that such systems significantly increase organ donation rates.
• Opponents are preparing an alternative legislative proposal, emphasizing the need for public education and healthcare investment.

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