health - More possibilities for kidney donations planned
In the struggle to increase organ donations, extended possibilities for the transfer of kidneys are coming. The Federal Cabinet approved a draft bill from Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, which will allow kidney donations to be permitted between two different pairs "across each other" in the future. This gives hope to many kidney patients, said the SPD politician. The protection for donors and donors is also to be strengthened through more information and medical and psychosocial support.
Currently, there are strict limits for kidney donations during lifetime. They are only allowed for relatives up to the first or second degree, spouses, registered life partners or others who are evidently closely related to the donors. In the future, it should also be possible between pairs who are not so close, explained Lauterbach.
Concretely, it concerns the transfer of a kidney when this is not possible between donor-recipient pairs medically. In the future, the kidney will not go to the planned close relative, but "across" to a suitable recipient who is not compatible with his or her planned close relative. In return, the kidney of the other pair will then go to the recipient of the first pair or the donor of the first pair.
Furthermore, the requirement that kidney donations are only permitted if an organ from a deceased person is not available is to be abolished. For a long time, the number of donor kidneys has not been sufficient to meet the demand, as stated in the draft.
The proposal from Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, approved by the Federal Cabinet, aims to expand organ donation possibilities to Berlin and beyond in Germany. This could potentially impact the health of many individuals, as it would allow kidney donations between pairs who are not as closely related. Lauterbach emphasized the importance of strengthening protections for both donors and recipients, including providing more information and support. Additionally, the draft bill aims to eliminate the current requirement for a deceased organ donor, acknowledging the persistent shortage of donor kidneys in the country.
