The organ donation register is a central electronic register in which you can enter your decision for or against organ and tissue donation. The register offers the opportunity to record your decision in a legally binding manner.

In most cases, the question of organ and tissue donation arises very suddenly - for example after a serious accident, a brain haemorrhage or a stroke. If the deceased person has not documented their decision beforehand, relatives must decide according to the deceased person's known or presumed wishes. Such a situation can be emotionally stressful and overwhelming for relatives.

A decision recorded in the organ donation register provides clarity and security and safeguards your right to self-determination. For additional security, you should also inform your next of kin about your decision and its documentation.

In addition to the possibility of deciding for or against organ and tissue donation, you also have other options:

• You can decide to donate only certain organs and tissues or
• opt for donation but exclude certain organs and tissues, and
• transfer your decision to a person designated by you.

The entry is voluntary and free of charge. You can change or delete it at any time. The organ donation register is managed by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), which ensures the security of your data.

Organ procurement hospitals are able to retrieve your stored declaration. By the beginning of 2025 at the latest, all officially approved tissue establishments will also be connected to the register. During this transitional period, you should also document your decision in writing, for example in an organ donor card or in a living will.

Even after the introduction of the organ donation register in 2024, a completed organ donor card, a living will or other written declarations will remain valid. If there are several declarations, your final decision will always apply.