Stem cell transplantation is the practice where a patient receives stem cells from a healthy donor. It is mainly used in the treatment of cancer and immune system disorders. In the Netherlands, unrelated stem cell donors and recipients are prohibited by law from knowing each other’s identity. They are only allowed to communicate with each other through anonymised correspondence and only after the transplant. This is to protect them from any potential risks of non-anonymised contact. For example, the donor might feel pressured to donate again to the same recipient if medically needed, or the donor might request compensation for the donation.
Donors and recipients may feel the need to have non-anonymised contact with each other. This allows the recipient to thank the donor, and the donor to see the difference their donation has made. The Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport has asked the Health Council to evaluate whether non-anonymised contact after stem cell donation can be allowed. In 2027, a new EU regulation on substances of human origin will come into force, which provides the opportunity to adapt Dutch policy.
The Health Council recommends allowing non-anonymised contact between stem cell donors and recipients under certain conditions. The first condition is a two-year waiting period following the transplant before personal data may be exchanged. The second condition is informed consent from both the recipient and the donor for the exchange of their personal data. Hereto it is important that both parties are adequately informed about the benefits and risks of non-anonymised contact. These conditions ensure that donors and recipients receive adequate protection from the potential risks of non-anonymised contact, while their personal freedoms are respected as much as possible.
Currently, the summary of the advisory report is available. The full version of the report will be published next month.
The executive summary of this advisory report will be available in English in due course.