Vision of organ donation

There is a severe shortage of donor organs. The waiting list grows longer every day, and some patients do not survive because a suitable organ is not available in time. 

We would like to invite you to take a moment to reflect on organ donation and to consider how you would feel if your child or a loved one needed a heart, kidney or lung. From experience, we know that many people find comfort in the thought that a part of their loved one lives on in someone else. At the same time, we fully understand that this is an emotional matter, and we respect everyone's views, beliefs and decisions.

The donation of organs and tissue after death is governed by the Act of 13 June 1986. Since the end of 2009, new legislation has applied to human tissue. This covers not only medical use, but also the use of tissue for scientific research. 

Who can be a donor?

Under Belgian law, everyone (who is registered in the population register, or who has been listed in the the foreign nationals register for more than six months) is considered a potential donor after death, unless they have explicitly objected.

In most cases, the doctor will check whether someone is registered as a donor. If this is not the case, the next of kin will be asked what the deceased person's views on organ donation were. That is why it is important to talk about this with your family, so they know your wishes.

Any objection to, or explicit consent for, the donation of your own organs can be registered with the population department at your local municipal office.