Former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) expects a new regulation regarding organ donation to be implemented this year. Speaking to the Funke media group (Saturday editions), he stated that the chance of introducing an opt-out system in Germany has increased. “The Mette-Marit case can help us in this process,” the SPD politician commented. He added that it would be ideal if the Bundestag finally passed the opt-out resolution in autumn.
Lauterbach highlighted that cases like that of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who waited relatively little time for a life-saving lung transplant, could become the norm in Germany. These faster outcomes, he noted, are possible not only for lung but also for heart or kidney transplants. Currently, too many patients are dying on waiting lists in Germany. He argued that if an opt-out system for organ donation, similar to the one in Norway, were adopted, this problem could be solved.
Lauterbach questioned why German patients should be at a disadvantage compared to other countries that have already overcome this hurdle. “It is not comprehensible why we cannot save the lives of people needing organs despite having such an expensive healthcare system,” he insisted.
The former minister lamented that the topic of organ donation is often inflated by ideological arguments, with religious objections or irrational fears being brought into the discussion. “If this time goes more rationally, I believe the time for the opt-out solution may have come,” he stated.
Furthermore, Lauterbach pointed out that the previous legislative period successfully introduced a reliable digital organ donor registry. This registry allows individuals who do not wish to donate to register their preference. “It is then impossible for someone to accidentally become a donor,” he explained.
The Bundestag is scheduled to debate the introduction of an opt-out system next Wednesday. Lauterbach currently holds the chairmanship of the Research Committee in the Bundestag.
