Rise of organ donation opt-outs after man mistakenly declared dead

In response to recent reports of a Kentucky man nearly having his organs retrieved after a mistaken death declaration, organ donor registries have seen a significant increase in opt-outs. The 2021 incident, which was first disclosed during a congressional hearing and later picked up by the media, involved a man who reportedly showed signs of life as he was being prepared for organ donation surgery. Though details remain unconfirmed, it’s alleged that medical staff were initially hesitant to acknowledge the signs, raising concerns about the procedures surrounding death verification. The man ultimately survived, but the case has sparked widespread unease, leading many in the U.S. and even France to reconsider organ donation participation.

In the U.S., Donate Life America noted a 10-fold increase in donor opt-outs, while France’s refusal registry saw a similar spike. Transplant experts emphasize that only doctors who do not work in transplantation make death declarations and that rigorous standards are applied, particularly with brain-death determinations. With heightened calls for additional safeguards, advocates warn that declining donor participation could endanger patients awaiting transplants, urging transparency in the ongoing investigation to restore public trust.

Source: AP News