Why Should I Include Organ Donation as Part of My Advance Care Plan?

If you’re thinking about becoming an organ donor, consider some things before making the decision.

There are over 120,000 Americans currently waiting for an organ transplant. Because the list is so long and there aren’t enough donors, about 20 people on the waiting list die each day.

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Becoming an organ donor can leave an impactful legacy at the end of your life. A single donor can save as many as eight lives with multiple organ donations. Thanks to organ donation, hope can come from grief.

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If you’re thinking about becoming an organ donor, consider some things before making the decision.

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Religious Beliefs

Most religions don’t oppose organ donation. On the contrary, it’s viewed positively — as a final act of love, compassion, and generosity at the end of one’s life. If you hold religious convictions, speak with a spiritual leader or chaplain about your religion’s beliefs surrounding organ donation.

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Which Organs to Donate

You can register as a general organ donor, meaning all viable organs are donated. Or, you can specify what organs you’d like to donate. Depending on your health status, you may be able to donate:

Bone
Skin
Corneas
Heart valves
Vessels
Liver
Lungs (2)
Kidneys (2)
Heart
Pancreas
Stomach
Intestines

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What Do I Need to be an Organ Donor?

Spell out your wishes regarding organ donation in your health care directive (which should be included in your advance care planning documents). Speak with your loved ones about your desire to be an organ donor and let them know you have included your wishes in your health care directive. When you are deceased or near death, this ensures your preferences around organ donation are clear.

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Place the documents somewhere accessible and let your family know where they are. This straightforward communication increases the likelihood of your wishes being met at the end of life since your family won’t have to guess what your preferences might be.

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Also, give your physician a copy of your health care directive and convey your desire to be an organ donor at the end of life.

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But I Already Put My Donor Status on My Driver’s License. Why Do I Need it in My Health Care Directive?

Indicating your wish to be an organ donor on your driver’s license is an excellent place to start. Including your donor status in your health care directive allows you to leave detailed instructions, such as what organs you want to donate. You can also communicate what you’d like your donated organs to be used for. Purposes may include transplant, research, or education.

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Additionally, stating your donor status and preferences in your health care directive unburdens your family during a stressful time. They won’t have to decide on organ donation while also grieving your loss. Those decisions will already be made thanks to the details you include in your health care directive.

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What Do I Need to Do to Be an Organ Donor? Where Can I Find the Right Form?

There are several steps to communicate your desire to be an organ donor. Completing all the steps gives you the best chance of your wishes being carried out.

Driver’s license status: When you update your driver’s license, communicate your wish to be an organ donor. The DMV office places a mark on your license indicating your status.
State registry: Sign up through your state’s donor registry.
Advance directives: In your health care directive, include your desire to be an organ donor and any preferences regarding organ donation.
Speak with your family and caregivers: Make sure your family, caregivers, and health care providers know your wishes regarding organ donation. These conversations clear up any questions your family or providers may have and keeps everyone informed regarding your end-of-life requests.

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Can I Change My Mind About Organ Donation?

Yes. You can change your mind about organ donation anytime. But, again, communication is key. Let your loved ones and health care providers know you’ve changed your mind. Update your health care directive, driver’s license, and donor status on your state’s donor website.

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Is There a Cost to Donate Organs?

No. Your family will not incur any costs by you donating your organs. Insurance or the donation recipient pays the costs of the transplant. Family members of the organ donor will need to pay for their loved one’s funeral and burial costs.

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Unburden Your Loved Ones By Making a Decision

Whether you do or do not wish to be an organ donor, it is essential to communicate that desire within your health care directive and to your loved ones. By making your preferences known ahead of time, you spare your family members additional stress when they are already overwhelmed.

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Start the conversation about advance care planning with your loved one by following our guide.

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