Today the European Parliament in Strasbourg voted on a report on organ donation and transplantation. The report calls for a European-wide donor card, which was introduced in the report by Jules Maaten MEP. ALDE shadow and liberal health coordinator Jules Maaten (VVD, Netherlands) said that "a voluntary European donor card could contribute to the efficient identification of donors and available organs".

"Furthermore, by expanding the donor pool many lives can be saved, especially amongst children and patients with special needs. A baby of three months old, who needs a new heart for example can only obtain a replacement from another three month old baby. To fulfil such special needs in time it is particularly essential for small countries to increase their donor pool through international cooperation."

The report sets out the actions which the European Commission and Member States should take to respond to the main policy challenges in relation to organ donation and transplantation, ensure quality and safety of organs, increase organ availability and fight against organ trafficking.

ALDE believes that international cooperation in the field of organ donation and transplantation must remain voluntary but that more needs to be done to promote awareness of the shortage in organs available for transplant. Current successful organ allocation models must be supported and become the basis for increased international cooperation. EU legislation which sets criteria for quality and safety of organs must not create red tape and thus limit the size of the donor pool.

by expanding the donor pool many lives can be saved   

Jules Maaten (VVD, Netherlands)

Karin Riis-Jorgensen (Venstre, Denmark), Vice-President of ALDE highlighted her personal experience in donating a kidney to her son:

"It is the responsibility of everyone to decide on whether their organs could be donated to save someone's life or help alleviate suffering whether to a family member or a friend or indeed anyone in desperate need. It is a very important decision and one that everyone should seriously consider to help meet the demand for transplant organs without encouraging illegal trafficking.

Liz Lynne (Lib Dem, UK), Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee and member of the Human Rights Subcommittee said:

“Across the EU 40,000 people are on waiting lists and some ten people a day die waiting for a transplant because the right organ was not available. The EU-wide donor card and transplant hotline could significantly speed up the process of finding the right donor. It is important to note that the new card would not replace existing national donor card systems.

“If organ donation was expanded and speeded up, the demand for illegally trafficked organs would also decrease. It is known that the trade in illegal organs is increasing. More research and cooperation on organ trafficking and transplant tourism is badly needed."