From the expanded consent provision to the expanded opposition provision.
What should be done?
In Switzerland, the extended consent solution currently applies. Your individual arrangements (living will, organ donation card) are not yet to be adapted at the time being. Inform your next of kin whether you are for or against organ donation in any case, in order to take the pressure off them.
Following the “Yes” vote on the amendment to the Transplantation Act, the extended objection regulation will probably apply in Switzerland from 2024 at the earliest. If you refuse a transplant or organ donation, record this in writing and lodge it with your identification documents. You will otherwise be considered a possible donor. If your will is unclear, relatives have to decide. If they are not available, no organs (such as liver, lung, heart, kidney or tissue) may be removed.
Are you planning a vacation abroad? What does apply there?
You must make arrangements before travelling abroad (such as to Austria, France or Spain), as foreign laws apply there, i.e. those of the country of residence. In the event of death, organs can be harvested from you unless you have expressed your objection. You cannot rely on the fact that relatives outside Switzerland would be contacted and their refusal to donate organs would be accepted.
Clarify and act, especially before traveling to Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malta, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Czech Republic or Hungary.
Objection register in Austria
Austria, for example, provides for an “objection register” in which you can register as a foreign tourist to prevent your organ donation in the event of a fatal accident.
Note
Think about how you feel about the tissue and organ harvesting or, more specifically, the transplantation of your organs. Make a self-determined decision. The laws may be different in other countries.
Provide for your will to be known and accepted!