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If you could save up to 8 lives simply by filling out a quick form, would you do it?
This isn’t just a rhetorical question – it’s what can happen when you register to become an organ donor. According to OrganDonor.gov, you could help save the lives of up to 8 people and improve those of over 75 more.1
It’s true that a single organ donor can help save many, but with over 100,000 patients on the transplant waiting list in the US alone, the need for organ donors is still great. Sadly, about 17 people die every day in the US because a compatible donor isn’t found in time. In part that’s because for an organ transplant to be successful, the donor and the patient must be a good match – meaning they have compatible blood and tissue types. Age, body size and location can also play a role. In some cases, it can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
Getting more people to register to become organ donors could help close the gap – and save more lives. Signing up can be as simple as checking a box on your driver’s license application, or submitting your information to the National Donate Life Registry. This can help make your wishes known to health-care professionals in the case of your death.
If you’re considering signing up to be an organ donor but have questions, check out these FAQs to help you better understand the process.
How do doctors decide who can be an organ donor?
When a patient has a life-threatening injury or illness, doctors will do all they can to save the life of that patient, regardless of whether the person is registered to be an organ donor. Only after all medical options have been exhausted and a patient has no brain function will doctors check to see if a person is registered to be an organ donor or if their family wants to consider organ donation. Ultimately, organ donation and transplant professionals determine which organs, if any, can be donated and to whom. Only about 3 in 1,000 people die in a way that allows them to donate their organs.1
Can you donate your organs if you have a chronic health condition?
In many cases, yes. Healthcare professionals will perform an assessment at the time of a person’s death to determine what organs or tissues can be transplanted.
Is there an age limit on organ donation?
No. People of any age – old or young – can become organ donors.
Does my family have to agree to donate my organs?
If you are over the age of 18 and register to be an organ donor via a state or national registry prior to your death, doctors will generally follow those wishes. But if you’re under 18, you don’t register ahead of time, or if doctors can’t find your registration for some reason, the final choice will be up to your family. That’s why it’s best to talk about your wishes with loved ones ahead of time (if you sign up via your driver’s license and later move states, it’s also important to re-register in your new state).
Is it true you can donate certain organs while you’re still alive?
Yes, it’s possible to donate a kidney, part of your liver and certain other tissues. Living donation is a different process than deceased donation as described above. To learn more, visit our Living Donation resource page.
Where can I learn more?
Your healthcare provider can help answer questions you have about organ donation. Additional resources are also available from a number of online sources, including:
Patient resources
1. Health Resources & Services Administration. https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/organ-donation-statistics [Accessed 2/19/24].
2. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/religion-organ-donation [Accessed 2/19/24].
This page may contain general information relating to various medical conditions or their treatment. The information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified health care professional. You should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment.