Giving blood and donating organs
You can save a life by giving blood or donating organs or tissue. Everyone complies with the same system and the same ethical rules.
The main principles for organ, blood or tissue donation (FR/NL)External link and the legal arrangements, while you are alive or after your death, are published at www.belgium.be.
Giving blood
For French speakers
Blood transfusions are vital in the treatment of many diseases or personal accidents. The Belgian Red Cross Blood Service (FR)External link takes care of all steps in the blood transfusion process, from promotion and recruiting donors, to taking, storing and distributing blood to hospitals. Use the Red Cross search engine to find your nearest blood transfusion centre (FR)External link.
For Dutch speakers
Red Cross Flanders (NL)External link also takes care of all activities regarding giving and transfusing blood. It has a website just for people who want to give blood (NL)External link. You can also call the Red Cross on: 0800 777 00
Donating organs
Donating organs is very easy, yet very important. For some, it might be the only chance of recovery. It’s a choice that involves every one of us and our loved ones. Under the Belgian law passed on 13 June 1986, organs and tissue may be harvested from any Belgian citizen at the time of their death unless that citizen has opted out of this system.
Donating tissues
Human tissue and cells are increasingly transplanted. They have very promising potential in terms of cell therapy. This mainly involves harvesting bone marrow, skin, the corneas and bone cartilage. Tissue harvesting and grafting are subject to the same rules as organ donations.
Donating bone marrow and stem cells
Bone marrow and stem cell grafting is an effective treatment for many blood diseases, the best known of which is leukaemia. To find out more about the Belgian transplantation centres, see the information provided by the Belgian Red Cross Blood Service.
Competent bodies:
- If you would like to give blood, contact the Red Cross Blood Service (FR) or call 0800 92 245 free of charge.
- The purpose of the Federal Public Service Public Health’s website is to raise public awareness of organ, tissue and cell donation (FR/NL). It includes information on the rules and arrangements with respect to organ and tissue donations.