A special case: living organ donation

In addition to organ donation after death, there is also the possibility of living organ donation. It means that a person who is still alive donates an organ or part of an organ to another person.

In Germany, this is only possible for one kidney and part of the liver. In general, people can live well with a single healthy kidney. The liver has the special ability to regrow after part of it has been removed.

A living organ donation is always associated with a surgical procedure and potential health risks for the donor. For this reason, especially strict legal and medical requirements apply.

These are:

• The donor must be of legal age and able to give consent.
• The donor must be fully informed about the medical aspects.
• There must be no health risks counting against organ donation.
• The decision must be made voluntarily and without pressure.

Trafficking in organs is strictly prohibited in Germany. For this reason, an independent commission also checks every living donation. It ensures that there is no financial consideration and that no one is putting pressure on the donor.

Living organ donation is only permitted between people who are closely associated. For example, within the family, between spouses or close friends. A special programme for living kidney donation is currently being set up. This programme helps couples of donors and recipients for whom a direct donation does not work for medical reasons. They are matched with other couples in the same situation to enable living kidney donation.

After the donation, living donors receive long-term medical care and regular health checks. The costs of treatment and aftercare are covered by the recipient’s health insurance.