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Hesse's Organ Donation Lags Despite High Support, Minister Urges Action

Despite 80% support, only 44% have documented their organ donation wishes. With 602 patients waiting, Minister Diana Stolz calls for action as a legislative review considers an opt-out system.

In this image there are group of people sitting in chairs by holding a papers in their hand by...
In this image there are group of people sitting in chairs by holding a papers in their hand by wearing a ID card , at the back ground there are pillars, lights, speakers, chairs.

Hesse's Organ Donation Lags Despite High Support, Minister Urges Action

In 2024, 88 individuals in Hesse donated their organs posthumously, with a total of 255 organs being retrieved. However, only 44% of respondents have formally documented their decision on organ donation, despite 80% expressing positivity towards it. Minister Diana Stolz has urged citizens to make a decision and document their wishes, as currently, 602 patients in Hesse await donor organs.

The organ donation regulation is under scrutiny. Several federal states, including Hesse, are pushing for a legislative review. Bavaria, Saxony, and Baden-Württemberg have joined forces to propose an initiative to the federal government. The opt-out solution, where individuals are considered potential donors unless they object, is being considered to encourage more people to decide on organ donation. Documentation can be done through an organ donation card, a living will, or the digital organ donation registry. The persistent high positive attitude towards organ donation among the population is encouraging, but the low donation rates are leading to long waits for donor organs, negatively impacting the quality of life of those affected.

The organ donation regulation is being reevaluated to address the persistent organ shortage. With 602 patients in Hesse waiting for donor organs, Minister Diana Stolz has appealed to citizens to make and document their organ donation decisions. The opt-out solution is being considered to encourage more people to register as potential donors.

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