Tech & Rights

Netherlands to Make Everyone an Organ Donor Unless They Opt Out

Senators in the Netherlands have approved a new law that makes all Dutch adults organ donors unless they opt out. The law narrowly passed in the upper house of the Dutch Parliament. The law's drafter, Pia Dijkstra,...

by PILP
(Image: Mika Marttila/Flickr)

Senators in the Netherlands have approved a new law that makes all Dutch adults organ donors unless they opt out. The law narrowly passed in the upper house of the Dutch Parliament. The law's drafter, Pia Dijkstra, said that under the new system — which is similar to those in Belgium and Spain — every person over 18 who is not yet registered as a donor will receive a letter asking if they want to donate their organs after death. Those who do not respond to the first letter, or to a second letter six weeks later, will be considered organ donors. They can amend their status at any time.

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