Organ Donation in Austria

The Austrian Hospitals Law allows individual organs or parts of organs to be removed from a deceased person for transplantation, in order to save the life (or to restore the health) of another person.

However, it is forbidden to remove the organ if a declaration made by the deceased person (or his or her legal guardian, in which case the declaration must be dated before the death of the potential donor), expressly refusing the use of his or her organs for transplantation, is furnished to the doctors.

If you do not agree to the removal of your organs after your death, you should always carry a written statement to this effect on your person (for example, enclosed with your ID).

Another possibility is to have your name recorded in the Opting-Out Register. The "Organ Donation Opting-Out Register" is a central index that transplantation surgeons can consult around the clock before removing any organs. All Austrian transplantation centers have committed themselves to this procedure.

If you wish your name to be entered in the Opt-Out Register, you can order a form from the Austrian Health Institute (ÖBIG) by phone or in writing. Please note that a different form should be used for persons under 18. If you reverse your decison and wish to remove your name from the register, please order a cancellation form from the same address.

The Opting Out Register (forms available for download)
Austrian Health Institute (ÖBIG)
Stubenring 6
1010 Vienna
Tel: (+43/1) 515 61-0 Fax: (+43/1) 513 84-72