Why do we need organ donations?

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 kidney failure use dialysis. Dialysis performs the task of the kidneys. This medical procedure takes up several hours every week. It severely impacts everyday living and quality of life. And it often shortens life expectancy. An artificial heart, too, can only assist temporarily and carries risks.

Transplanting a healthy organ is often the only option for a long-term cure. For this purpose, people donate their organs after their death. Under certain conditions, individual organs continue to function even after death, and can save the lives of others.

A single person can help up to seven seriously ill people by donating vital organs.

You will find the most important information about organ donation here. It is intended to help you decide whether you want to be an organ donor. Organ donation is a topic that concerns us all. Any one of us may one day require a donated organ.