Long-Awaited Opt-Out Regulation for Organ Donation in Sight

The newly published annual report from Swisstransplant shows a stable development in the numbers of organ donations in Switzerland—thanks in part to close cooperation at the European level.

Encouragingly High Donation Efficiency

The identification of potential organ donors works very well in Swiss hospitals. "We owe this to the high commitment of the professionals and well-functioning processes in intensive care medicine," emphasizes PD Dr. Franz Immer, CEO of Swisstransplant. Donation efficiency is very high compared to other European countries: comparing the number of donating persons per hundred relevant deaths in intensive care units, Switzerland has significantly increased its efficiency since 2014.

Disappointingly Low Consent Rate

Despite these advances, the consent rate in discussions with relatives remains a central hurdle. Often, the will of the deceased person is unknown, which often leads relatives to decide against organ donation. As a result, the donation wish of many people cannot be fulfilled. The consequences are grave: last year, 67 people died on the waiting list for a life-saving organ. "Every documented decision —whether yes or no—creates clarity and relieves the relatives," says Immer.

Introduction of the Extended Opt-Out Regulation

With the introduction of the extended opt-out regulation, the following will apply: those who do not wish to donate organs after their death should note this. If there is no documented decision, it will be assumed that the deceased person agrees to organ donation. Relatives can object to organ removal if they know or suspect that this does not correspond to the will of the deceased person. The implementation of the extended opt-out regulation is expected, according to the FOPH, in the third quarter of 2027. The FOPH is expected to make the new organ and tissue donation register available in the first quarter of 2027. The state-recognised electronic identity (e-ID) will allow for clear and secure identification. The exact time of the register's introduction depends on the availability of the e-ID in Switzerland.

Yes or No to Organ Donation?

Organ donation is and remains voluntary. The recommendation is to record personal decisions— yes or no to organ donation—and inform relatives. Until the introduction of the organ and tissue donation register, suitable options include an organ donation card, a patient directive, or an electronic patient dossier. These documents will remain valid even after the introduction of the register.

Swisstransplant - Swiss National Foundation for Organ Donation and Transplantation

By order of the Federal Office of Public Health, Swisstransplant is responsible as the national allocation office for the lawful allocation of organs to recipients and manages the corresponding waiting list. It organises all activities related to organ allocation at the national level. In doing so, it works closely with European allocation organisations. Since 2009, Swisstransplant has been commissioned by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Health Directors to nationally coordinate the responsibilities outlined in the Transplantation Act on the organ and tissue donation field, ensure cooperation with donation networks and leverage synergies.

www.swisstransplant.org

Press Contact:

Contact for Media Inquiries
PD Dr. Franz Immer, Director Swisstransplant, FMH specialist in cardiac surgery,
T +41 58 123 80 00,
media@swisstransplant.org

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