The number of Belgians willing to donate their organs posthumously continued to rise in 2023, setting a record.
Around half a million individuals decided to donate their organs last year, according to figures by the Public Health Department on Monday. At the same time, however, those declining to donate are also on the rise.
In 2023, 480,552 Belgians registered in 2023 to donate a kidney, heart, liver or another organ upon death, marking a 9% increase from 2022. Over 200,000 Belgians chose not to consent to being donors.
By default, every Belgian is considered a potential organ donor. However, it is possible to explicitly state during your lifetime that you do not wish to donate your organs.
A single organ donor could potentially save up to eight lives and enhance the quality of life of an additional 50 people.
