Health officials are pushing to increase organ transplant rates, but a new investigation reveals that this urgency is leading to risky shortcuts—putting living donors in danger. Some hospitals are allegedly skipping thorough health evaluations to speed up the process, raising concerns about donor safety.

Editor’s Note: Organ transplants save lives, but this story highlights a troubling trade-off. When the system prioritizes speed over safety, donors—who are already making a huge sacrifice—could face unnecessary harm. It’s a wake-up call to balance urgency with proper care, especially when real people are on the line.

This investigation reveals a troubling trend in the U.S. organ donation system: hospitals and procurement organizations, pushed by federal targets to boost transplant numbers, are allegedly cutting corners—sometimes with dangerous consequences. Reporter Brian M. Rosenthal uncovers cases where patients were pressured into donations or faced harm due to rushed processes, exposing systemic flaws in a life-or-death industry.

Organ donation is a lifeline for thousands, yet despite broad approval, there’s lingering confusion about what actually happens when you register as a donor. This piece breaks down the practical steps—from signing up to how organs are allocated—so people can make informed decisions without the guesswork.