PUBLIC STATEMENT

Media Contact:
Jenny Daigle | jdaigle@aopo.org

AOPO Alarmed by Decline in U.S. Organ Donations

McLean, VA (January 14, 2026) – The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) is alarmed that, for the first time in 14 years, the annual number of deceased organ donations in the United States has declined. This reversal has real and devastating consequences for the more than 100,000 Americans who depend on organ donation for a second chance at life.

Since 2010, our nation’s organ donation system has made significant progress, breaking donation records year-over-year thanks to the generosity of organ donors and their families. In 2024 alone, organ procurement organizations (OPOs) recovered over 45,000 organs from deceased donors, enabling more than 41,000 lifesaving transplants.

However, according to current data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, the recent decline was driven largely by a decrease in deceased kidney donation. This is especially concerning, as kidneys are by far the most urgently needed organ, with approximately 94,000 Americans waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant.

In 2025, widespread misinformation and confusion about how organ donation works and the role of each stakeholder in the process have led to tens of thousands of people removing themselves from donor registries. AOPO has called attention to the impact this has had on public trust, and we are deeply concerned by the effect this has ultimately had on donation rates and the ability to save as many lives as possible.

We call on all stakeholders in organ donation and transplantation – from OPOs to our hospital partners and federal regulators – to unite in restoring public trust and strengthening this critical system that has served millions of Americans and their families.

AOPO and its members remain steadfast in our mission to save lives and continue to advocate for systemwide reforms that improve organ donation practices nationwide.

Each person who becomes an organ, eye and tissue donor can save up to eight lives and heal more than 75. We encourage everyone to learn more and consider signing up as a donor. You can register today by visiting RegisterMe.org.