In Germany, around 9.400 patients are waiting for an organ or tissue. A donated organ can make the difference between life and death for them. Anyone who would like to donate their organs (for example heart, lungs, kidneys) or tissue (skin, heart valves, cartilage) after their death should obtain an organ donor ID. The ID should always be carried with you. It contains personal data and the consent to organ donation after death. People aged 16 and over can donate their organs. If you change your mind and no longer wish to donate, simply throw away the donor card. They are not registered anywhere.
The Federal Ministry of Health runs a website where you can order this ID online, free of charge.
In Germany, organ trafficking is prohibited and is a criminal offence.
For more information and to order an organ donor ID online:
https://service.bzga.de/pdf.php?id=e36b2a09cc835bd16b43eeb1337dab9b
https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/themen/praevention/organspende/faqs.html
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Foto: Günther Richter, Pixelio.de
