What happens if you do not record a choice?

If you do not record a choice in the register yourself, 'no objection to organ donation' will appear next to your name. This means that your organs and tissues can go to a patient after your passing. The physician in the hospital will discuss this with your family. If your family is very sure and can explain to the doctor that you really did not want to become a donor, then you will not become a donor. It is therefore important that your partner and family know what your choice is. And for you to record your choice. By the way you can always change your choice.

Read more about what happens when you become a donor.

Is 'no objection' in the register the same as 'yes, I want to become a donor'?

With both registrations there is permission for organ donation. Your organs and tissues can go to a patient after your passing.

The difference between 'yes, I want to become a donor' and 'no objection to organ donation' is that a 'yes' has been entered by you in the register. And 'no objection' is entered by the government for you. The government will do this if you do not record a choice in the register after receiving two letters.

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.