Stephan Pilsinger, a health politician from the CSU party, has voiced his opposition to a group motion proposing a presumed consent system for organ donation. Speaking to the newspapers of “Mediengruppe Bayern” Pilsinger stated, “The state must not treat silence as consent”. He argues that automatically assuming a donor’s willingness to donate is incorrect, as many individuals may be unable to address such profound, existential questions due to psychological or cognitive reasons.
According to the CSU politician, there remains no scientific proof that adopting a presumed consent rule will actually increase the number of post-mortem organ donations. Therefore, he insists that education, voluntary participation, and prioritizing the individual decision remain paramount. In line with this position, Pilsinger and others have submitted an alternative proposal that focuses on increased information and public awareness.
The scientific evidence regarding the presumed consent model is currently mixed. While a 2014 study indicated that the Opt-out process could lead to a relative increase in the total number of transplanted livers and kidneys, a study published in 2024 suggested that switching to Opt-out does not automatically guarantee a rise in organ donor numbers. Furthermore, that 2024 study added that robust educational campaigns and measures addressing the concerns of the deceased’s relatives are necessary. Concerns were further highlighted by a 2025 study, which warned that implementing the presumed consent system might actually decrease the willingness of people to donate organs while they are still alive.
