Berlin – Do I want to donate organs or tissue after my death? This is a big question that requires deep soul-searching. Once you have made a decision, it is important to document it. If one’s own will is known, this relieves the burden on loved ones and the treating doctors in an emergency.
There is now another way to do this: the organ donation register. An overview.
How can I record my decision in the organ donation register?
This can be done on the website organspende-register.de, which is operated by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. It has been activated since Monday (March 18).
In order to be able to record your own decision regarding organ and tissue donation, you must authenticate yourself. This can be done with the eID function of the identity card, the electronic residence permit or the eID card. Another thing you should have ready: your health insurance number.
Good to know: In the future, you will also be able to submit the declaration via your own health insurance company’s app, for which the health ID is required. This should be possible by September 30th at the latest.
Entry into the organ donation register is voluntary and free of charge, as stated on the portal. It can also be changed or revoked at any time.
Why should I record my decision in the register?
An organ donation card can be lost. Or you don’t have it with you when you have an accident: The organ donation register, on the other hand, is always available. A decision stored there ensures clarity and security, as it says on the portal. In the future, it will work like this: In the event of an emergency, authorized medical staff in the hospital will access the register – and can view the decision stored there.
Is the organ donor card still valid?
Yes. The register is just another way to document the decision; organ donor cards are still available. And it can make sense to use both options. Because this increases the chance that your own decision will be known in an emergency.
Organ donation cards can be obtained, for example, in pharmacies, doctor’s offices or on the BZgA’s website organspende-info.de. There you can download an ID card as a PDF file to fill out and print out. If you want a solid plastic card instead of thin paper, you can also order this from the BZgA. If you want to be safe while traveling, you can also find PDF templates in around 30 languages to download.
By the way: According to the BZgA, the decision to donate an organ can also be recorded in any other document – for example in the living will. Only in the will does this make no sense, as the BZgA warns. Because it will only be opened at a time when it is already too late for organ donation.
What do I have to consider when recording my decision to donate organs?
Whether in the living will, in the ID card or in the register: the will must be clearly formulated, so the information must not contradict each other.
There are a total of five choices in the register and the organ donor card. One can generally agree to the removal of organs and tissue after a medical declaration of death. However, there is also the option of excluding certain organs and tissues or only releasing them for donation. You can also completely object to the removal in the organ donor card. It is also possible to name a person who will make the decision in an emergency.
In the “Comments/Special Notes” field you can note any illnesses, if any. Good to know: According to the BZgA, only a few diseases generally rule out organ donation. This is the case, for example, with acute cancer. Important for documents: Don’t forget to sign.