Have you ever thought about organ donation? Thinking about organ donation means thinking about life and death. You may not like thinking about that. Nevertheless, it is good to do so, because a new organ donation law has been in effect since the summer of 2020.

What is organ donation?

An organ donor makes their organs available after their death. The organs are then used for transplantation into other people. Sometimes a donor can save several people with their organs, for example with a heart, two kidneys or a pancreas. There are always more people on the waiting list for a transplant than there are donor organs available.

What does the organ donation law mean?

The organ donation law states that everyone aged 18 and over will receive a request to register in the donor register. Do you want to become an organ donor? Then you give permission, and this will be recorded next to your name. In the donor register, you can also indicate which organs or tissues you do not want to donate. For example, you can choose not to donate your heart or your skin.

If you do not respond

If you do not respond to the request, you will receive another letter after six weeks. If you still do not respond, 'no objection' will be recorded next to your name. The difference from the old organ donation law is that you now automatically receive a 'no objection' registration if you do not respond. Under the old law, not registering meant 'objection'.

No objection

If 'no objection' is recorded next to your name, doctors may assume that your organs can be used for transplantation after your death. Relatives can sometimes still prevent this, but only if they have a very good reason for doing so.

Organ donation and your faith

Organ donation is an issue that many religions struggle with, including Islam and Christianity.

When considering whether you may donate your organs after your death, two ethical questions are involved:

  • Should your body remain intact after your death?
  • Is donating an organ an act of compassion, because you save someone’s life?

Opinions differ among the various religions. Talk about it with people who are important to you within your faith.

Age 18

The new organ donation law applies to everyone aged 18 and over. That is why it is important to start thinking about it early. Do you not yet know what you want? That is completely fine. Talk about it with your family and friends. Take the time to make a good decision. You can always change your choice later.

Organ donation or science?

After your death, you can also make your body available for scientific research. This is separate from the donor register. If you are registered as an organ donor, organ donation always takes priority.

Tips

  • Read more about this subject on Donorwise.nl, Rijksoverheid.nl and TransplantatieStichting.nl
  • Talk about it with your friends and family.
  • Think carefully about your choice and take the time to do so.
  • Know your options. You do not have to donate everything. And you can always change your choice later.