Organ transplants offer second chances in Argentina
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In Argentina, 739 people donated organs this year, enabling 1625 transplants across 22 provinces.
The country reached a record high donation rate of 20.54 donors per million inhabitants in 2025, benefiting 4786 patients on waiting lists. Despite this progress, 7405 people still need transplants, with over 2200 awaiting corneal donations. The National Central Unique Coordinating Institute for Removal and Implantation (Incucai) and provincial health teams work together to coordinate organ procurement and transplantation.
To increase organ availability, Argentina established 48 hospital units dedicated to organ and tissue procurement, alongside 40 new clinics focused on identifying and caring for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. A 2018 law, known as the Justina Law, presumes consent for organ donation from all adults who haven't explicitly objected. This approach mirrors legislation in Spain, which has led the world in organ donation and transplantation for 34 years, achieving a rate of 53.2 donors per million inhabitants.
Argentine authorities hope to match Spain's success, and emphasize the importance of families confirming a deceased person’s wishes regarding donation, especially in the case of minors.
