Kennisdossier
Knowledge Dossier Euthanasia
A euthanasia patient may have the wish to become an organ donor. In this knowledge dossier, you will find the guideline, background information, and developments.
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Patients who have a wish for euthanasia may simultaneously have the wish to donate organs after their death. In the Netherlands, organ donation after euthanasia (ODE) was first performed in 2012. In 2024, it occurred 32 times. It is important for professionals to be aware of the possibilities and the careful procedures involved.
Due to the demand for the possibility of donating organs after euthanasia, a national guideline was developed in the Netherlands by a working group of various professionals. An important principle is that these are two separate procedures, in which different healthcare providers bear the responsibility to carry them out carefully.
If a patient indicates to their (GP) doctor that they wish to donate organs after euthanasia, the GP contacts the NTS organ center. The organ center puts the doctor in contact with an organ donation coordinator.
Procedure from home
It is also possible to start the procedure from home (ODEH). With ODEH, the patient is sedated at home. Afterward, they are transported to the hospital by a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU).
Guideline for organ donation after euthanasia
Description of how organ donation after euthanasia can be carried out carefully. It is intended for (GP) doctors who are looking for more information on this subject or who receive a request from a patient for organ and/or tissue donation.
Figures
people donated organs after euthanasia in 2024
In 2012, the first organ donation after euthanasia took place in the Netherlands
patients donated organs after euthanasia in the Netherlands
ODE for mental suffering
More and more patients wishing for euthanasia want to donate organs after their death. This increasingly applies to people who choose euthanasia due to mental suffering. This development requires careful consideration, clear procedures, and a well-timed conversation.View the article with psychiatrist and SCEN physician Richard Oude Voshaar.
Podcast: practical experience
Listen to the podcast in which organ donation coordinator Karin Beer discusses her experiences with organ donation after euthanasia.
More about organ donation after euthanasia
Information for the public
What is involved in an organ donation after euthanasia?
Tissue donation after euthanasia
Tissue donation may also be possible after euthanasia. After death, it is assessed whether someone is medically suitable as a tissue donor.