How to Opt Out or In of Organ Donation Using the NHS App or Online

How English Law changed to Opt-In in May 2020

On 20 May 2020, the law around organ donation in England was changed to allow more people to save more lives.

Now that the law has changed, it will be considered that you agree to become an organ donor when you die if:

• you are over 18;
• you have not opted out;
• you are not in an excluded group.

You still have a choice whether you want to become an organ donor and can register or amend your decision at any time.

Does this mean my organs will just be taken? No – your family will be consulted before any action is taken, so make sure your family knows your wishes.

Stories about Organ Donation – An Airdrie father of five was given a ‘second chance’

An Airdrie father of five was given a ‘second chance’ at growing his family after a life-saving kidney transplant in June 2005.  Malcolm Armstrong, 44, was diagnosed with Goodpasture’s Syndrome aged 27 in 2003, a condition that led to his kidneys failing and him starting dialysis – treatment that continued for two years. Already dad to daughter Emily, the medication Malcolm was on during dialysis made him sterile, meaning family plans had to be put on hold. However, after the successful transplant, the Police family liaison officer then went on to welcome Daniel, 13, Rosie, 12, Eve, 10, and Ben, 9, to the world with wife Michelle. 

Malcolm said: “If it weren’t for the decision made by my donor and their family, I wouldn’t be here or have a future with my wife and kids. It’s as simple as that. I think it’s one of the most important things in society. If your organs can be used by someone else when you die, then why not give them that second chance? It’s the biggest gift you can give someone, and it has a huge ripple effect on their whole life, letting family, friends and work life return to normal. Of course, having five kids comes with its challenges, but I love our life and wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Speaking about the importance of sharing your organ donation decision, Malcolm said: “I can appreciate people might have concerns about the new opt-out system, but I think it’s the best way forward. It would help if you also remembered to make sure your loved ones know your intentions to be an organ donor because when someone dies, those around you are at their most vulnerable. That vital conversation with your family makes sure somebody else can benefit. When it comes down to it it’s not about a big heroic, selfless act, it’s just about hoping you can do the right thing by somebody.”

How to opt-out or opt-in of organ donation,  using the NHS App, or online

You can register to opt out or opt into organ donation in several quick and easy ways:

• by visiting the NHS organ donation website at https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/  
• by using the NHS App – please see our video below
• by telephoning the organ donation service on 0300 123 23 23

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Did you mean…

“opt out of organ donation nhs app” / “opt-out in the NHS App”

Use the NHS App to manage your decision. See: How to opt-out or opt-in using the NHS App. Or go directly to the NHS site: Register your decision.

“opt in to organ donation online” / “register as an organ donor”

You can opt in online in minutes. See: How to opt-out or opt-in using the NHS App or online or visit organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision.

“remove my name from the organ donor register” / “cancel organ donation”

That’s opting out. Manage it in the NHS App or online: Step-by-step. Official page: Register your decision. Phone: 0300 123 23 23.

“organ donation law change 2020 england” / “opt-out law explained”

England moved to an opt-out system on 20 May 2020. Read: How English Law changed to Opt-In (opt-out system) in May 2020 and what it means for you.

“do my family need to agree?” / “will my organs just be taken?”

No. Families are always consulted. See: Law change and family discussion. Tell your family your wishes.

“check if I’m on the organ donor register” / “how do I see my status?”

Open the NHS App → Manage services → Organ donation decision, or use: Register your decision to update/confirm your status.

“religious views on organ donation” / “faith and donation”

See the videos below for perspectives and guidance. Also visit the NHS advice hub: organdonation.nhs.uk.

“excluded groups / age rules”

Most adults (18+) are considered to have agreed unless they opt out or are in an excluded group. Learn more: Law change and who it applies to.

Common misspellings & alternatives

• organ doner / donar → organ donor
• nhsapp / nhs-app → NHS App
• optout / opt outt → opt out
• organdonation nhs → organ donation NHS

“stories about organ donation” / “real experiences”

Read Malcolm’s story of a life-saving kidney transplant and family life after donation: Stories about Organ Donation.

“speak to someone / phone number”

Call the NHS Organ Donation service: 0300 123 23 23. Quick links: register/update decision • advice website.