Health politician Stephan Pilsinger (CSU) has voiced opposition to a motion put forward by several parliament members that would introduce an opt-out system for organ donation. Pilsinger stated to the newspapers of the “Mediengruppe Bayern” (Friday editions), “The state cannot interpret silence as consent”. He added that many individuals cannot grapple with such an existential question due to psychological or cognitive reasons, making it incorrect to automatically assume a willingness to donate from mere silence.
The CSU politician also asserted that, to date, there is no scientific proof that an opt-out rule actually increases the number of postmortem organs donated. Consequently, he emphasized that public education, voluntariness, and individual decision-making must remain the focus. Pilsinger mentioned that he and others have proposed an alternative framework that relies more heavily on comprehensive information and education.
The body of scientific evidence regarding the widely discussed opt-out model remains inconclusive. While a 2014 study indicated that the opt-out procedure led to a relative increase in the total number of transplanted livers and kidneys, a study published in 2024 reported that the mere switch to an opt-out system does not automatically cause an increase in organ donor numbers. Furthermore, that 2024 report stressed the need for awareness campaigns and measures designed to address the concerns of the deceased’s family members. Adding to the complexity, a study published in 2025 warned that adopting the opt-out system could potentially lower the willingness to participate in living donations.