Three-quarters of Swiss back new organ donation system
2018 saw a record number of organ donors in Switzerland
Keystone
Three out of four Swiss (76%) are in favour of a new organ donation system that would move from explicit to presumed consent, according to a survey. The same proportion would also be willing to donate their organs after their death.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Español
es
Apoyan 76% de los suizos nuevo sistema de donación de órganos
The population seems ready for change, said SwisstransplantExternal link on Monday. The national foundation for organ transplants and donations had commissioned the representative study by the gfs.bern research institute.
The initiative, which is backed by Swisstransplant, proposes a switch to presumed consent, reversing the current opt-in policy, which requires explicit consent from potential donors.
The government has submitted an indirect counterproposal, approving the initiative but adding in its text the right of relatives to decide in the absence of documented opposition.
Donor register
In October 2018 Swisstransplant launched an online national organ donor registerExternal link intended to be a practical alternative to the traditional donor card system. It will allow relatives to know for certain whether a dead family member really wanted to donate their organs.
Last year saw a record number of organ donors in Switzerland, 18.6 per one million residents. The authorities hope to increase the number to 22 by 2021.
GfS Bern questioned 1,205 Swiss people between August 19 and September 2.
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…
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Golden eagles get better at flying over time, say Swiss researchers
This content was published on
Golden eagles perfect their flight as they age and learn to make better use of air currents, says a new study co-produced by Swiss researchers.
This content was published on
Public libraries in Switzerland recorded 46.3 million admissions last year, 7.4 million more than in 2022, says the Federal Statistical Office.
Swiss conservative party seeks referendum against Eurovision contest
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Democratic Union is launching a referendum to prevent the Eurovision Song Contest from taking place in Basel next year.
Switzerland nabs 15 medals at WorldSkills championship
This content was published on
Swiss professionals have won 15 medals at the WorldSkills Championships in Lyon, France for the best finish by a European nation.
One dead, 2 children seriously injured after car crashes into Geneva sports centre
This content was published on
An 80-year-old driver crashed into several children aged around ten on Saturday after losing control of her vehicle in Geneva, before succumbing to her injuries.
Swiss Centre Party leader says report on proposed federal budget cuts ‘one-sided’
This content was published on
Gerhard Pfister is criticising discussions launched by the Swiss government on an expert report aimed at making savings in the state budget.
This content was published on
Transplantation not only improves quality of life, but it also saves money, said Swisstransplant, particularly where kidney transplants are concerned.
Train station closures a long-term option, says Swiss Federal Railways boss
This content was published on
Vincent Ducrot has not ruled out the closure of train stations in the long term as mobility changes, he told the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper.
Liberal Green party members criticise handling of Ameti affair
This content was published on
Some Liberal Greens say the party acted too quickly after Zurich politician Sanija Ameti fired shots at an image of Jesus and Mary.
This content was published on
Switzerland has a new supercomputer named "Alps", officially inaugurated on Saturday at the National Supercomputing Centre in Lugano.
This content was published on
The people’s initiative for presumed consent for organ donation has received the minimum number of signatures, moving closer to a nationwide vote.
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.