The public debate on organ donation and presumed consent in Denmark: Are the right issues being addressed?

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

The legal framework for organ donation in Denmark is informed consent. But due to the unsatisfactory number of organ donors, Denmark is considering changing legislation to presumed consent. This article discusses the public debate on organ donation and presumed consent in Denmark, and asks whether the right issues are being addressed in the quest towards more available organs and better donor rates? Basing our considerations on the various arguments in the debate and on scientific findings, we question the potential benefits of presumed consent and challenge some of the assumptions and rationalizations that characterize the discussions in Denmark regarding public support, public trust and the role of the family in donation decisions.

Original languageEnglish
Book seriesScandinavian Journal of Public Health
Volume48
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)480-485
Number of pages6
ISSN1403-4948
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

    Research areas

  • Denmark, donor families, Organ donation, presumed consent, public debate, public health, transplantation

ID: 221824678