Public mistrust linked to drop in deceased donor organ donations

An analysis found donations from recently deceased donors fell last year for the first time in more than a decade and tied the decline to public mistrust after reports of planned retrievals; overall transplants were slightly higher due to an increase in living-donor kidney procedures.

Organ donations from people who recently died fell last year for the first time in more than a decade, the analysis reported. The Kidney Transplant Collaborative linked the decline in deceased-donor donations to signs of public mistrust after reports that some planned retrievals were stopped over concerns. Despite the decrease in deceased donors, total transplants were slightly higher than in 2024, supported by an increase in living-donor kidney transplants. Industry groups and federal officials have called for measures to restore trust and additional safeguards are being developed. Key facts: - An analysis found 116 fewer kidney transplants were performed last year than in 2024. - Donations from recently deceased donors fell last year for the first time in over a decade, according to the report. - Living-donor kidney transplants increased by about 100, keeping overall transplants just over 49,000 compared with 48,150 in 2024. - Reports that planned retrievals were stopped after concerns about signs of life were linked to reduced public trust, and federal safeguards are being developed. Summary: The decline in deceased-donor donations has been traced to a loss of public confidence after reports that certain planned retrievals were halted. Overall transplant volume remained slightly higher last year because of more living-donor kidney transplants. Federal agencies and industry groups are discussing additional safeguards and steps to rebuild trust.