On the 15 Mai 2022 the Swiss electorate voted on the Transplantation Act.
In brief
Over the past five years, an average of around 450 people in Switzerland have received one or more organs from a deceased person each year. However, the need for organs is much greater. Today, a transplant is only possible if the deceased person has consented to the donation during his or her lifetime (consent solution). However, the wish of the person concerned is often unknown. It is then up to the relatives to decide. In the majority of cases, they are against organ donation.
The Federal Council and Parliament want to increase patients' chances of receiving an organ. They are therefore seeking to change the rules regarding organ donation: Anyone who does not wish to donate their organs must state this during their lifetime (contradiction solution).
If a person has not objected, it is assumed that they are willing to donate their organs. The relatives are involved regardless. They can refuse organ donation if they know or suspect that the person concerned would have chosen not to do so. If no relatives can be contacted, no organs may be removed. The amended Transplantation Act is a counter-proposal to the popular initiative 'Encourage organ donation - save lives'. This also calls for a move to the contradiction solution, but does not regulate the role of the relatives.
It was withdrawn on condition that the amended Transplantation Act comes into force. Because a referendum has been sought against the law, it will be put to the vote.
Last modification 15.05.2022
