Organ donation can save lives: all it takes is a small piece of paper – or is a tattoo enough? A special campaign is intended to make the topic more visible.
A new proposal to reform the FDP’s definition of death is currently bringing back discussion on the topic of organ donation and ethics. The proposed change is intended to increase the number of donors – the demand for donor organs is high. In view of this, a non-profit association launched a campaign some time ago to draw more attention to this issue. A whole and a divided circle as a tattoo under the skin – what’s the action all about?
The counter on the website of the Junge Helden, as the club is called, shows “+10,000”: That’s how many people have already had the so-called “Opt.Ink” tattoo. On the website, those interested can find information about organ donation, photos of the engraved motif and around 700 tattoo studios that are taking part in the campaign.
The geometric motif is delicate and simple, but has a special meaning: On the one hand, it represents the gift of life, which is made possible through organ donation. In addition, the combination of a full and half circle is the acronym of “Oorgan Donor” (English for organ donor).
The project also received greater attention in May when several members of the Bundestag, including Stefan Schwartze (SPD), had the small motif tattooed on them. The reason for the politicians’ tattoo campaign was the desire to encourage discussion of the issue.
In contrast to our neighboring countries Austria and the Netherlands, in Germany organ donation is not subject to objection, but rather to decision-making. This means that in order to become a donor, you must actively consent to the removal of your organs using an organ donor card. Relatives can also decide this on their behalf after death.
However, it is often not known how the person would have made their own decision. In such cases, the organ donation tattoo is intended to provide clarity about the patient’s wishes, even if it does not replace the organ donor card.
Although the small tattoo can make the donor’s wishes clear to unknowing relatives, it is not considered a legal document. Anyone who wants to donate must – even with a tattoo – sign a donor card or an informal document. If someone changes their mind after getting the tattoo, this is not a problem.
Although the majority of Germans have a positive attitude towards organ donation, according to a 2022 survey by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), only 44 percent have an organ donor card. The “Opt.Ink” campaign aims to help people talk more about organ donation.