For thousands of seriously ill patients, a new organ is the last hope. However, there are far too few donors in this country. Medical ethicist Dieter Birnbacher nevertheless takes a critical look at the opt-out rule currently being discussed – and suggests a different solution.
Professor Birnbacher, organ removal is currently only permitted in Germany if the person concerned has consented during their lifetime. A cross-party group of members of the Bundestag now wants to push for the so-called opt-out rule again. This would mean that every person is automatically a potential organ donor after their death, unless they have objected during their lifetime. What do you think of this initiative?
From an ethical point of view, this bill is problematic.