Rate of organ transplants outpaces growth in waiting lists in France

The number of organ transplants carried out in France is outpacing the growth in waiting lists after more than 6,000 were performed in 2024 – nearly 17 every day.

Waiting lists grew by 5.5% last year, while the number of transplants grew by 7.1%, resulting in a slight reduction in backlog. If the trend continues, it offers hope to those awaiting a transplant.

As of 2025, 22,585 patients are on the national waiting list for an organ transplant (greffe).

Relative to its population, France performs 84.1 transplants per million inhabitants – behind Spain (120), Portugal (90) and Belgium (89), but ahead of the UK (69) and Ireland (51).

Kidneys are the most commonly transplanted organ, accounting for 3,757 operations in 2024, including 509 from living donors – usually blood relatives.

France’s opt-out policy Under French law, you are presumed to have consented to organ donation unless you have registered with the National Refusal Register (Registre national des refus). Fewer than 1% of residents have done so.

However, family opposition remains a major obstacle. Around 36% of potential donations are blocked by relatives – rising to more than 50% in Marseille and Paris, and over 70% in Seine-Saint-Denis.

Opposition often stems from a lack of awareness of the opt-out system or the emotional difficulty of making such a decision at the time of a loved one’s death.

Why it matters An estimated 9.8% of patients on a transplant waiting list die before receiving an organ – two to three people every day.

Health insurance body Ameli reports that 93% of French residents think it is important for loved ones to know their wishes on organ and tissue donation, yet only half have had that conversation. 

Whether you support donation or prefer to opt out, it is vital to make your position clear to your family.

More information Service-Public offers a detailed guide to organ donation, available in English, with FAQs and practical steps on registering or refusing.