When it comes to kidney donations, the organ often comes from a partner – but sometimes it is not compatible. In the future, according to a draft, donations should be possible between two couples even if they are not close.
Karl Lauterbach has already thought about it out loud – now the matter seems to be becoming concrete. The Federal Health Minister of the SPD wants to make kidney donations easier. This emerges from a draft amendment to the relevant law ARD capital studio is present.
Key point: Unlike today, kidney donations between couples should be allowed in the future even if the couples are not personally close. These are cases in which the sick cannot receive a kidney from their partner because the organ would be rejected due to medical problems.
The idea is that in the future couples will be brought together, one of whom is willing to donate and the other in need of a donation. According to the draft bill, this so-called cross donation should be carried out anonymously and organized by transplant centers. According to the information, the anonymity is intended to prevent money from being paid for an organ
Previously, a close relationship was required
To date, living organ donations in Germany have been reserved for relatives, spouses and others who have a close relationship with the recipient. But: There are not enough organs for the many people who are waiting for a kidney. According to the Ministry of Health, almost 340 people in Germany who were on the waiting list for a kidney donation died in 2022 alone.
Mario Kubina, ARD Berlin, tagesschau, April 22, 2024 8:30 p.m