Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva has publicly expressed her consent to posthumous organ donation.
“Of course, whether or not to become a donor is a deeply personal choice for every person. This is a very sensitive and complex issue where any form of coercion is unacceptable. In my opinion, the most important thing in this matter is to understand both sides of the issue.
Speaking personally, if my loved ones ever face such a decision, I would like them to understand how important it is to give a chance to those who desperately want to live. I responsibly declare that I give my consent to posthumous organ donation. Because one person’s decision can give another person the opportunity to continue living despite all circumstances,” Balayeva wrote.
It is reported that 4,739 people in Kazakhstan are currently waiting for organ transplants, including 125 children. At the same time, around 90% of transplant operations in the country are still performed using organs from living related donors, while the share of posthumous donation remains below 10%.