Organ donation: New labor protections in Spain and declining rates in Chile

In Spain, Law 6/2024 provides specific protections for workers who donate organs or tissues during their lifetime. Since March 3, 2025, these individuals are entitled to receive 100% of their regulatory base from the first day of medical leave. This coverage includes the time required for medical tests, consultations, and the recovery period following the procedure, ensuring that voluntary donation does not result in a loss of income. Unlike standard sick leave, this special status does not require a minimum prior contribution period.

In Chile, organ donation rates have shown a decline in the Ñuble region. The Hospital Clínico Herminda Martín in Chillán recorded only one effective donor in 2026, compared to four multi-organ procurements in both 2024 and 2025. Nationally, Chile faces a significant gap between supply and demand, with 2,277 people currently on waiting lists for organs. In the Ñuble region specifically, 91 people are waiting for kidney transplants, while over 200 others are undergoing studies to join the list.