Story perspectives

Decline in Deceased-Donor Organ Donations Hits Kidney Transplants

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Deceased-donor organ donations fell last year, the first decline in over a decade, reducing kidney transplants.
The Kidney Transplant Collaborative, a nonprofit, reported 116 fewer kidney transplants than in 2024.
Over 100,000 people in the United States await organ transplants, primarily kidneys.
The nonprofit attributes the decline to cases of patients showing signs of life before organ retrieval.
The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations urged efforts to restore public trust.

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Story summary

Deceased-donor organ donations fell last year, the first decline in over a decade, reducing kidney transplants.
The Kidney Transplant Collaborative, a nonprofit, reported 116 fewer kidney transplants than in 2024.
Over 100,000 people in the United States await organ transplants, primarily kidneys.
The nonprofit attributes the decline to cases of patients showing signs of life before organ retrieval.
The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations urged efforts to restore public trust.