What happens if you do not record a choice?
If you do not record a choice yourself, 'no objection to organ donation' will automatically be stated by your name. This means that your organs and tissues could possibly go to a patient after your passing. So there is a possibility you may become an organ donor.
When you have passed away, the physician in the hospital will discuss the possibility of donating organs and tissues with your family. The physician shall tell your relatives that 'no objection to organ donation' is stated by your name in the register. If your family is absolutely certain and they can explain to the physician that you really did not want to become an organ donor, then you will not become a donor. Therefore it is important that your partner and family know what your desired choice was and that you record this choice in the Donor register. You can always change your choice.
Read more information about what happens around your passing.
Does 'no objection to organ donation' mean the same as 'yes, I want to be a donor' in the Donor register?
In both cases it means that you agree to organ donation. Your organs and tissues could possibly go to a patient after your passing.
The difference between 'yes, I want to be a donor' and 'no objection to organ donation' is that you personally made an active choice when you chose for 'yes, I want to be a donor'. 'No objection to organ donation' is an automated choice, which the government makes for you if you don’t make an active choice yourself.
Conversation between the physician and your family
In the event of your passing, the physician will discuss with your family which choice was registered in the Donor Register. If your family is very sure that you really didn't want to be a donor, they can explain this to the physician. In both cases with 'yes' and with 'no objection', the physician shall not proceed with the donation process.
It is also possible that your family itself has serious objections. They can discuss this with the physician. A physican always takes this into account.
Change your choice
You can always change your choice. Even if you are registered with 'no objection to organ donation'. You can do this directly with your DigiD. Or by filling in and sending a paper form. You can collect this from your municipality. Read more about changing your choice.