Questions & Answers

Approximately every 18 minutes,
someone in the United States needs an organ transplant.

Organ transplantation is one of the most remarkable
medical success stories in the history of medicine.

Transplants of kidneys, livers, hearts, pancreases, lungs and heart-lungs
are now considered an accepted part of medical treatment.

Even transplants of the intestines are being recognized as successful therapy.

Transplantation owes a great deal of thanks to people who realize they can help
save someone's life simply by signing an organ donor card and telling their family.

Why are organ and tissue donations needed?
Each year the number of people waiting for transplants increases dramatically. This year tens of thousands of people will need corneal, skin and bone grafts. This year over 60,000 are waiting for kidneys, hearts, livers, heart-lungs, lungs, pancreases and intestines. Those in need range from babies to teenagers, young adults to those looking ahead to their retirement. Transplantation is their only realistic hope for a healthy and productive life.
Can anyone sign an organ donor card?
Everyone should consider himself or herself a potential organ donor, regardless of age or medical history. Individuals under the age of 18 may sign a donor card with the consent of their parent or guardian. Parents should keep their children's donor cards with their own, perhaps in their wallet, close their driver's license.
Do these donor cards have the same validity as my driver's license?
If an organ donor card or statement is included with your driver's license, both are legal documents and show your intent to become an organ donor. They are equally valid.
If I move to another state, is my donor card still valid?
Yes. Your organ donor card is valid in all 50 states. Since there is no official, national registry for potential donors there is no need to change the card.
What do I do with the card?
Keep the card in your wallet, perhaps with your driver's license. In addition, discuss your decision with your family. As a general practice, hospital personnel will ask for the consent of the next of kin before procuring the organs. If family members know you signed a donor card or remember you expressing a desire to donate, they will most likely give their consent.
What is "Required Request?"
Required Request, sometimes called "Routine Inquiry," is a policy by which hospitals, at the time of patient death, must inform the next-of-kin of the opportunity to donate their loved one's organs and tissue.
Can my family refuse permission for organ and tissue donation even though I have signed a donor card?
Yes, but the family generally gives permission if the deceased had expressed a wish to be an organ donor or had signed an organ donor card. It is important to remember that the medical team treating the potential donor is also treating the family in its grief. The medical team's role in giving care is to respect the feelings of those who are grieving. Ethically and morally, the medical team only does what the next-of-kin authorizes.
Can I change my mind?
Certainly. All you need to do is inform your family of your wishes and tear up your organ donor card. If you signed the back of your driver's license, strike through the entire donor card portion.
Will my family be charged for donating my organs?
No. The donor family is never charged for costs associated with organ donation. Once your family has given consent for donation, all costs associated with organ and tissue recovery are handled by the organ procurement organization.
Can we be paid for donating my organs?
No. Organ donation is a gift. The National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 prohibits the buying and selling of human organs.
May I have a proper funeral?
Yes. The removal or organs and tissue does not interfere with customary burial arrangements. Organ removal is carried out as a regular surgical procedure. The donor's body is treated with the utmost respect, and an open casket funeral is possible. Funeral arrangements remain the responsibility of the donor's family.
Do I need to mention organ and tissue donation in my will?
No. Your will may be read too late to make organ and tissue donation possible.
If I decide to become an organ donor will that affect the level of my medical care?
No. Absolutely not. Organ recovery takes place only after every effort has been made to save the patient's life. The patient must be declared "brain dead" before the organs may be procured.
What is brain death?
The determination of brain death is based on strict medical and legal standards. In brain death, the brain has stopped functioning and artificial means are used to maintain heartbeat and breathing. If these artificial support systems are removed, all body functions stop. Brain death is irreversible and is an accepted medical, ethical and legal principle. The determination of brain death is made by a physician not involved in organ donation or transplantation.
What organs and tissues can be donated?
Kidneys, hearts, livers, lungs, pancreases and intestines may be donated, as well as eyes, skin, heart valves, bone marrow and bone.
Does my religion support organ and tissue donation?
Organ and tissue donation is consistent with the beliefs of all major religions. If you have any questions, please discuss them with your minister, priest or rabbi.

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