Make a choice in the Donor Registry
Everyone in the Netherlands aged 18 and over who is registered with a Dutch municipality is listed in the Donor Registry. In this registry, you can indicate whether you want to donate organs and tissues after your death.
If you do not indicate a preference, you will automatically be entered in the Donor Registry with 'no objection to donation'. That means your organs and tissues could go to a patient on the waiting list after your death. In other words, you will become a donor. Don't you want to be a donor? Then it is important that you register your choice in the Donor Registry. And to talk about organ donation with the people around you, so they also know about your choice in the Donor Registry.
What are the choices in the Donor Registry?
In the Donor Registry, you have four options to choose from.
- Yes, I want to become a donor.
This means that you want to donate organs and tissues after your death. - No, I do not want to become a donor.
You will not donate organs and tissues after your death. - My partner or family will decide
Upon your death, your partner or family may make the decision. - A specific person will decide for me.
You want someone else to decide for you after your death. Discuss this with the person who will make the decision for you. This person may also live abroad.
You can change your choice in the Donor Registry at any time. You can do this as often as you like. You can change your choice by logging in on the Donor Registry website using your DigiD.
How to make a choice
You may find it difficult to make a choice in the Donor Registry. If this is the case, you can try the following:
- Watch videos about organ and tissue donation and your choice in the Donor Registry.
- Discuss your doubts about how you want to be registered in the Donor Registry with your partner, family or friends.
- Seek advice from people who are important to you, such as someone within your religious community or your community.
•Frequently asked questions
What is organ donation?
With organ donation, a person donates an organ after death to a person whose organ is not working (properly). Someone who donates an organ is called an organ donor. Upon your death, you can donate the following organs: liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, small intestine and kidneys.
Organ donation can only be done when people die at the hospital, for example due to a severe stroke or an accident. Organ donations always require the consent of the donor or their family. Doctors will always do everything possible to save the patient's life. They will never let anyone die to keep someone else alive. Only when someone is truly beyond hope of recovery and death is expected will the doctor discuss organ donation with the next of kin.
Does my religion allow me to be a donor?
There can be different opinions on organ and tissue donation within one religion or even differences within groups of one religion. Questions on this topic are therefore best asked within your own religious community. And talk about it with people who are important to you, within your faith or within your family.
Can my family still change my choice?
Your family cannot simply change your choice in the Donor Registry. The doctor almost always abides by your choice in the Donor Registry. This is the choice you have specified yourself. If there is a very good reason, a doctor may decide differently. For example, because your loved ones indicate that this choice really does not make sense.
Can my family still say goodbye if I am a donor?
Yes, there is always time to say goodbye. Family and loved ones can spend time with the donor before the donor operation and they will also have time to say goodbye afterwards. It is up to the family to decide what happens after the donation. The family can choose the viewing location, such as in a funeral home or at home. The date of the funeral is and how it will take place is also up to the family.
Do you need more information?
Do you still have questions about organ and tissue donation or your choice in the Donor Registry? Please contact us:
The information line is available in Dutch or English (working days from 8.30 - 19.00)