Position Statement on the amendment of the transplantation act

Position Statement on the amendment of the transplantation act

The Swiss government wants to shift the consensus paradigm on organ donations The newly suggested methodology is based on the contradiction solution in contrast to the  consent solution that Switzerland has known so far. With a YES to this amendment by the Swiss citizens, it will generally be assumed that every person is a potential organ donor in Switzerland unless they clearly declare otherwise (contradiction).

According to Swisstransplant, the country's official foundation for organ donations and transplants, the existing system of explicit consensus exacerbates the country's long-standing organ scarcity: on average, two people die each week as a result of the long waiting lists to get an organ.

In Switzerland, the number of organ donors is still insufficient in proportion to the need. The new law aims to raise the number of potential donors to that of neighboring countries (about 25-30 per million people) that use the same ostensibly agreed approaches, reducing the time it takes for an organ transplant and ensuring that frail  persons are treated properly.

As a result, Volt advises to support the new organ donation paradigm by voting YES to the amendment of the transplantation act.We do however, urge authorities to establish a thorough plan to adequately inform the Swiss population about the new system, as well as to notify them promptly and accurately, in order to preserve and respect the preferences of those who are opposed to organ donation.