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Germany Organ Donations Edge Up, No Turnaround Yet

Thousands remain on waiting lists despite the increase.

Overview

  • From January to October, Germany recorded 836 deceased donors, 2,523 organs recovered and 2,738 transplants, modestly above the same period in 2024.
  • Of 2,963 potential donor cases reported, 2,127 were not realized, with roughly half halted by absent family consent.
  • Written declarations are rare, with documented consent in about 15% of possible cases and relatives agreeing in less than a quarter when asked.
  • Regional trends diverged: North Rhine–Westphalia logged 506 organs recovered (up from 411), while Hesse/Rhineland‑Palatinate/Saarland fell to 291 (from 347) and parts of the northeast also declined.
  • Eurotransplant continues to allocate organs across borders, and the DSO urges citizens to record their donation decision as 8,091 people nationwide await transplants.