In Germany, more than 8,000 people are currently waiting for a donor organ. Many of them suffer from serious illness. Heart, lungs, liver and kidneys are most commonly affected. These are vital organs; they are essential for life.  Medical procedures can replace some organ functions. However, this is only possible for a short time, and is not without side effects. For example, people with…

Doctors transplant vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. Tissues such as the cornea, heart valves, blood vessels, skin and bones can also be donated. Age is no barrier to organ donation. In principle, any person can become an organ donor. The medical status of the organs is more important than the donor’s date of birth. In each individual case,…

The Transplantation Act (Transplantationsgesetz, TPG) governs the allocation of donated organs in Germany. The independent institution Eurotransplant in Leiden (Netherlands) allocates donor organs in Europe according to medical criteria. The aim is the fair and transparent distribution of the available organs.In the first place, the suitability of the organs is considered. Organs are then…

In Germany, strict laws govern the removal of organs and tissues. Doctors only remove organs when the donor’s death has been established beyond doubt. Two indepen­dent medical experts confirm the definitive and irreversible loss of brain functions (‘brain death’).In addition, there must always be consent to organ donation so that removal can take place. This must happen quickly, as many organs…

In Germany, organ donation is strictly regulated by law. Legal basis is the Transplantation Act (Transplantations­gesetz, TPG). It ensures safety, transparency and fairness for all parties involved.It is very important to separate the different areas involved in organ donation.Independent teams take on the various tasks. One team determines the death, another allocates the organs, and a third…

Organ donations follow a fixed, medical process. Respect for the deceased and their loved ones is paramount. ‘Brain death’ is a prerequisite for organ donation. This condition is caused, for example, by severe bleeds in the brain, an accident, or a massive lack of oxygen supply to the brain. Brain death marks the time of death in medical as well as legal terms. Two medical specialists…

A conscious decision for or against organ donation creates clarity for you and your family. Document your wishes to relieve your loved ones of this responsibility in an emergency situation.In Germany, young people from age 16 can consent to organ and tissue donation. You can object to organ donation from age 14.The organ donation registerThe easiest and most legally binding way to document this…

In addition to organ donation after death, there is also the possibility of living organ donation. It means that a person who is still alive donates an organ or part of an organ to another person. In Germany, this is only possible for one kidney and part of the liver. In general, people can live well with a single healthy kidney. The liver has the special ability to regrow after part of it has…

The Transplantation Act (TPG) governs organ donation and organ transplantation in Germany. It is intended to ensure security, transparency and fairness, and to protect every person’s right to self-determination. In Germany, the opt-in system applies. This means that each person decides for themselves whether or not they want to be an organ donor. This decision is valid even after death, and must…

Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention (Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Gesundheit, Pflege und Prävention, StMGP) www.stmgp.bayern.de/gesundheitsversorgung/organspende https://keine-ausreden.bayern Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, BMG) www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/themen/praevention/organspende/faqs.html Federal Institute of Public Health…