Organ donor card and decision

In short: The organ donor card documents one’s own decision about organ and tissue donation after death. In Germany, the decision solution applies, meaning everyone must actively consent or object themselves.

In more detail: Without a documented decision, relatives must decide on someone’s behalf in the event of death, often in a very distressing situation.

In detail

• Decision solution: Unlike the opt-out system in some countries, consent is not automatically assumed in Germany.
• Filling out the card: The organ donor card can be filled out informally by hand or using pre-printed forms.
• Partial consent: You can limit donation to certain organs or tissues, or decline it entirely.
• Revocable at any time: The decision can be changed or withdrawn informally at any time.
• Storage: The card should always be carried, for example in a wallet, so it can be found in an emergency.
• Brain death diagnosis: Organ removal is only permitted after brain death has been unequivocally established by independent doctors.
• Talking to relatives: Discussing your decision with family significantly eases their burden in an emergency (patientenverfuegung-und-vorsorgevollmacht, testament-und-gesetzliche-erbfolge).