Can I refuse organ donation?
Yes, but you must express your refusal. In France, organ donation rests on presumed consent: after death, everyone is considered a potential donor, unless they objected during their life. To refuse, the main way is to register on the national refusal register (online, from age 13). You can also state your objection in writing (a dated, signed document given to a relative) or orally to your relatives, who will attest to it. The refusal can be total or limited to certain organs/tissues, and is revocable at any time. If nothing was expressed, the medical team asks the relatives.
📋 The rules
- Presumed consent: everyone is a donor unless they object
- Refusal via the national refusal register (from age 13)
- Objection possible in writing (dated/signed) or orally to relatives
- Refusal total or limited to certain organs/tissues
- Decision revocable at any time
🔓 Exceptions
- Without register entry, the medical team gathers the relatives' testimony
- Removal only after medical and legal confirmation of death
- Living donation (kidney, part of liver): separate regime, with express consent
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Organ donation carries no 'penalty': it's about consent. The key is to clearly express your position (refusal-register entry or informing relatives) so it's respected. Removal is strictly framed: it's free, anonymous, and can only happen after death is confirmed. Any trading of organs is banned and criminally punished.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Organ donation and consent →
- Biomedicine Agency · National refusal register →
- Légifrance · Public Health Code (removal, art. L1232-1) →
❓ Frequently asked
Am I automatically an organ donor?
Yes, in principle. France applies presumed consent: after death, everyone is considered a potential donor, unless they objected during their life. It's a principle of solidarity.
How do I refuse organ donation?
The surest way is to register on the national refusal register (online, from age 13). You can also give a dated, signed document to a relative, or state your refusal orally to relatives who will attest to it.
Can you refuse only some organs?
Yes. The refusal can be total or limited to certain organs or tissues. You can specify the scope of your objection when registering. The decision stays revocable at any time.
What happens if I said nothing?
Without entry on the refusal register, the medical team asks your relatives whether you expressed an objection during your life. Hence the importance of telling your circle your position.
Is organ donation paid?
No. Donation is free and anonymous: neither the donor's family nor the recipient pays or is paid. Any form of organ trading is strictly banned and criminally punished in France.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “refuse organ donation register”
- “presumed consent organ donation”
- “national refusal register sign up”
- “organ donation after death”
- “refuse certain organs”
- “organ donation anonymous free”