Effect of a Legal Initiative on Deceased- and Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation in Israel

Abstract

The severe organ shortage in Israel has prompted many patients to undergo kidney transplantation abroad. In May 2008, the Israeli Knesset approved the Israel Transplant Law prohibiting organ trade and disallowing health insurers to reimburse the cost of illegal transplantation abroad. The aim of this study was to assess the initial effect of the law on kidney transplantations inside and outside the country. The number of kidney transplantations performed inside and outside Israel was compared between the 3-year periods before and after implementation of the transplant law (2006–2008 and 2009–2011). Further analysis compared the number of deceased-donor and live-donor transplantations performed in Israel during the same periods. The results showed that the number of transplants performed abroad dropped significantly, from a median of 143 per year during 2006–2008 to <45 per year during 2009–2011. There was a parallel increase in the number of kidney transplantations from living donors, from a median of 56 transplants per year in 2006–2008 to 78 per year in 2008–2011, with a peak of 117 transplants in 2011. In conclusion, the Israel Transplant Law has dramatically affected kidney transplantation practices in Israel by reducing transplantation tourism and increasing living-donor kidney transplantations.