Organ donation in Baden-Württemberg: Solution should help

Organ donation in Baden-Württemberg: Solution should help

The lack of organ donation in Germany is a pressing problem that can also be felt in Baden-Württemberg. Despite a high approval rate for organ donation and the desire of many, after their death, the number of organ donors remains constantly low. In the first eight months of this year there were only 83 organ donors in the southwest, while 946 people are waiting for a transplant.

This Situation ensures concern, since 735 of these waiting people alone are dependent on a kidney. Health Minister Manne Lucha criticized the stagnant numbers and pointed out that three people nationwide die on the waiting list every day. Getting a kidney takes an average of about eight years.

Baden-Württemberg wants to introduce the solution to the objection

To improve this situation, the state government of Baden-Württemberg pursues the idea of a resolution. Currently, in view of a possible organ donation, people have to record their will in writing, otherwise the relatives have to decide. The proposed regulation would mean that everyone is automatically considered an organ donor, unless he actively speaks against it. This draft law has already been introduced in the Bundestag.

Although 73 percent of the population are positively set for organ donation according to surveys, only 15 percent of the possible donors have an organ donation card or a living will. This shows that many relatives are often unsure of what to do. Statistics show that in eight out of ten cases, relatives do not give approval for organ donation.

The German Organ Transplantation (DSO) was cautiously commented on the contradiction solution and noted that international experiences do not prove suddenly increasing organ donation. Nevertheless, this solution could help increase awareness of organ donation in clinics and to persuade more people to think.

Germany's role in the international organ donation network

Another aspect is the role of Germany in the international organ donation network Eurotransplant. Minister Lucha found that Germany benefits from the higher willingness to donate in other European countries, where there is often a resolution. As a result, Germany receives more organ donations from abroad than it has to be awarded itself. In Baden-Württemberg, 58 organs transplanted from abroad came from 393.

An online portal was also set up to make it easier for citizens to register for or against organ donation. From the age of 16, people can capture their will on www.organspende-besbiste.de. This step aims to simplify and promote documentation of willingness to donate.

The problems related to organ donation in Germany are complex and urgently require innovative solutions. The situation remains tense and the organ donations will continue to be pursued at both national and international level.