Germany considers organ donation law change

German lawmakers are debating a shift toward a ‘reversal of the burden of proof’ regarding organ donation. Under a proposed legislative initiative supported by the Bundesrat and a group of 254 members of the Bundestag from various parties—including the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, and Die Linke—citizens would need to actively document their refusal to donate organs to prevent removal after death.

To ensure reliability, the proposal emphasizes the use of an official organ donation register. Currently, registration is primarily handled through the internet or specific health insurance apps. This requirement has raised concerns for the millions of Germans who lack consistent internet access or the ability to use digital identification apps, as they may find it difficult to formally record their opposition to donation.