The move is an indirect counterproposal to a people’s initiative “promote organ donations, save lives” launched in 2017. This wants organ donations to be based on presumed consent, meaning that every adult who dies could automatically become a donor.
This aims to reverse the current opt-in policy, which requires explicit consent by potential donors and consultation of relatives if they have not.
Middle way
In its plans, put out to consultation on Friday, the government takes a middle way: it supports presumed consent, with those not in favour of donating being required to put their names on a register. But its version allows for the consultation of relatives in cases of doubt.
Switzerland does not have enough organs available for donation. Last year, 68 people died while waiting for a transplant. According to a government statementExternal link, “donation numbers are still low in European comparison”, despite a campaign to promote the practice.
The government said that it supported the basis on the initiative: it wants to reduce waiting times and thus save lives. Experience in other countries has shown that organ donation increases with the presumed consent model, it added. This is the case in France, Austria, Italy and Spain. But it added that, in its view, it was still important to consult relatives.
The rules would apple to people aged over 16 and who are living in Switzerland. The conditions for organ donation would remain unchanged: that the death took place in hospital due to a brain injury or cardiac arrest.
More
More
Organ donations increasing but still insufficient
This content was published on
The Federal Health OfficeExternal link said 145 people had agreed to provide one or several organs upon their death. In addition, 137 live donors had given a kidney or part of their liver. In total, 440 patients were able to benefit in 2017, according to a statement published on Monday. Officials say the increase is…
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
This content was published on
The Federal Health OfficeExternal link said 145 people had agreed to provide one or several organs upon their death. In addition, 137 live donors had given a kidney or part of their liver. In total, 440 patients were able to benefit in 2017, according to a statement published on Monday. Officials say the increase is…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.