Organ donations in Germany rise significantly: DSO reports highest figure since 2012

The DSO views this development as a positive signal. Organ donation in Germany reached its highest level since 2012 in 2025, the foundation announced. Back then, as now, the number of transplants is closely linked to the commitment of hospitals, transplant coordinators, and, not least, the willingness of the population to engage with the topic during their lifetime.

High Demand Remains

Despite the increases, the situation remains tense. In the entire year 2025, around 8,200 people in Germany were on the waiting list for an organ transplant. 3,150 people actually received an organ in 2025 – significantly fewer than would be necessary to cover the demand. The gap between demand and available donor organs remains large.

Against this backdrop, a cross-party group is forming in the Bundestag, calling for a fundamental reform of organ donation regulations. The core of the proposal is the introduction of a presumed consent system from 2030 onwards: Every adult capable of consent would generally be considered an organ donor unless they have expressly objected to it during their lifetime.

Presumed Consent Planned from 2030

However, resistance is emerging against this initiative. Another group of politicians warns of an infringement of fundamental rights. They see the presumed consent system as an inadmissible "infringement of fundamental rights" and advocate for adhering to the principle of express consent.

The Bundestag is heading towards an ethical debate on organ donation, in which, according to the DSO's assessment, a party whip is unlikely to be applied. This suggests an open discussion based on substantive arguments – similar to previous votes on assisted suicide or preimplantation diagnostics.

Legally, the current situation in Germany is: Organ removal after death is only permissible if the deceased person has expressly consented during their lifetime – for example, via an organ donor card – or if the relatives agree to the removal. The reform debate aims to replace this consent solution with a presumed consent solution.

Legal Basis and Criticism

Proponents argue that a presumed consent system could significantly increase the number of available organs without forcing people to donate. Critics, on the other hand, fear a loss of trust in the transplantation system and see the right to self-determination endangered.

Regardless of the political debate, the DSO points to the practical benefit of each individual donation. With the 1,405 registered organs from the first five months of 2026, according to the foundation's calculations, several hundred lives could have been saved or significantly improved. The foundation calls for documenting one's own willingness to donate organs and discussing it with relatives.

Outlook for the Full Year 2026

The coming months are considered crucial: If the positive trend of the first five months continues, 2026 could see the mark of 1,000 organ donors surpassed for the first time in over a decade. In 2025, there were 985 individuals. The DSO will officially present the mid-year balance on July 1st.