In order to increase awareness of organ donation in our country, facilitate donation processes, and encourage volunteerism within society, various awareness activities are being carried out by our Ministry as part of Organ Donation Week (November 3–9).
In this context, the informational letter on “Organ Donation” shared by the Ministry of Health, Directorate General for Health Promotion, is presented below.
ORGAN DONATION
Organ donation refers to the act of a person who is over eighteen years of age and mentally competent, voluntarily declaring during their lifetime that some or all of their organs may be donated after death to patients awaiting transplantation. Organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, corneas, liver, small intestine, pancreas, face, and scalp can be donated.
According to Law No. 2238, any individual over the age of eighteen and mentally competent may donate their organs. Living donation is permitted only for the liver and kidneys.
Organ donation can be made through an official or written declaration of intent. Additionally, donations may be made by obtaining an organ donation card from units authorized by our Ministry (provincial and district health directorates, hospitals, family health centers, community health centers, etc.), or by submitting an online declaration through the e-Nabız or e-Government (e-Devlet) applications. To donate in this manner, a person must be over eighteen years of age and mentally competent. Citizens may withdraw their decision at any time. Donation records are kept confidential within systems designed by our Ministry, in accordance with privacy regulations. Individuals retain the right to revoke their donation whenever they wish.
If a person has not donated their organs during their lifetime by obtaining a donation card, preparing a declaration, or submitting an online statement, permission for organ donation is requested from their relatives after their death. If the family consents, the person’s organs may be retrieved. Families are never forced, and they have complete freedom to decide.
The suitability of a donated organ is assessed after brain death has occurred in the donor. A person’s donation declaration is not shared with anyone before brain death is confirmed. Individuals who donate organs are encouraged to inform their families and close contacts, as this may prevent potential difficulties and positively influence the decision-making process during discussions held after brain death.
If a person is an organ donor and, upon their death, at least one organ is transplanted to a recipient, that person's relatives will be given priority should they ever be placed on the organ transplant waiting list. Recipients are determined primarily based on blood group compatibility and subsequently on tissue compatibility. In addition to blood and tissue matching, the patient’s medical urgency is also taken into consideration. No discrimination is made based on gender, race, language, religion, or socioeconomic status.