German lawmakers propose opt-out organ donation rule

More than 200 members of the German Bundestag have signed a cross-party legislative proposal to introduce an opt-out system for organ donation. The draft, signed by 245 lawmakers from the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, and Left Party, aims to increase the availability of donor organs for the more than 8,000 people currently on waiting lists.

Under the proposed rule, adults would automatically be considered organ donors after death unless they had actively registered an objection. This would replace the current system, which requires explicit consent for organ removal. Proponents, including Green Party health politician Armin Grau and CDU member Gitta Connemann, emphasize that the rule does not force anyone to donate but requires individuals to make a clear decision.

Parliamentary deliberations are expected to begin after the summer break. However, a second cross-party group of lawmakers opposes the opt-out model, advocating instead for improved public education and easier methods for documenting personal wishes. A previous attempt to implement an opt-out regulation failed in 2020.