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More adults in Haarlem are not filling out their organ donor forms

The number of adults in Haarlem who have not completed their donor registration has risen to 33,700, exceeding the national average. While these individuals are automatically listed as having no objection to organ donation by law, experts note that family members can still override this status after a death.

Recent figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reveal that 33,700 adults in Haarlem have not filled out their organ donation forms, marking an increase from 32,500 in 2022. This group represents 27 percent of individuals in the local donor register, which is higher than the national average of 22 percent. Under current Dutch law, those who fail to register a preference are automatically listed as having no objection to donation, meaning they are considered donors unless family members intervene after their death. In Haarlem, 36 percent of registrants explicitly gave permission, 29 percent refused, and 9 percent deferred the decision to relatives.

Nationally, the trend of not making an active choice is rising, particularly among young people aged 18 to 25. While 3.4 million adults across the country are now listed as having no objection, the number of individuals choosing to actively provide consent has decreased. Despite these legislative measures, 1,600 patients remain on waiting lists for transplants in the Netherlands.

Health Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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