What to do if you want to donate your organs after death.
As medical technology has made successful organ and tissue transplants cheaper, easier and safer, organs and tissues are in great demand. And a growing number of states eagerly accept any body part for donation.
Among the organs and tissues now commonly being transplanted are:
* corneas
* hearts
* livers
* kidneys
* bone and bone marrow
* tendons, ligaments, connective tissue
* skin
* pancreas, and
* lungs.
Tissues and corneas can be taken from almost anyone -- and are often used for research and study. However, there are far greater problems with donating major organs such as hearts and livers. For example, while there are tens of thousands of people now on waiting lists to receive kidneys alone, only about 1% of all people who die are suitable kidney donors.
The principal method for donating organs is by indicating your intent to do so on a donor card. Once signed, this card identifies you to medical personnel as a potential organ donor.
You can get a donor card or form from most hospitals, the county or state office of the National Kidney Foundation or a community eye bank. In most states, you can also obtain an organ donation card from the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Depending on where you live, you can check a box, affix a stamp or seal, or attach a separate card to your license, indicating your wish to donate one or more organs.
Even if you have not signed a card or other document indicating your intent to donate your organs, your next of kin can approve a donation at your death. And conversely, even if you have indicated an intent to donate your organs, an objection by your next of kin will often defeat your intention; medical personnel will usually not proceed in the face of an objection from relatives. The best safeguard is to discuss your wishes with close friends and relatives, emphasizing your strong feelings about donating your body for research or teaching.
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