Behavioral economists have found that one major explanation for the intercountry differences in participation rates in organ-donation programs is:

The intercountry differences in participation rates in organ-donation programs is due to STATUS QUO BIAS.

Status quo bias can be defined as the emotional prejudice to the way things are and any change is considered a loss.

This status quo bias phenomenon often affect decision making in an individual. In some countries, organ donation is widely accepted by the people while it is not accepted in some other countries. The only reason for this is because of just the way things are done usually in those countries.

Another example of status quo bias will be saving money towards retirement. Everyone sees this as a norm.