Missed opportunities: saving lives through organ donation following voluntary assisted dying

Organ donation after voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Australia may potentially increase organ transplant rates. Despite significant international experience with donation after VAD, there has been little discussion of this in Australia. We review potential ethical and practical concerns relating to donation after VAD and advocate action to establish programmes in Australia that ensure safe, ethical and effective donation after VAD.

Automated summary

Organ donation after voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Australia has the potential to increase organ transplant rates. However, there has been limited discussion on this topic in Australia despite international experience. This review highlights ethical and practical concerns and calls for action to establish safe, ethical, and effective donation after VAD programs in Australia.