In the United States, another person is added to the transplant waiting list every eight minutes. Each day, 13 people lose their lives waiting for an organ transplant. But, one act of service has the power to change this narrative: organ donation. 

“I feel like it’s a gift that continues to keep on giving,” said registered organ donor and AP English Literature teacher Janey Gidion, reflecting on her experience with organ donation. 

Organ donation is defined as “the act of taking healthy organs and tissues from one person and giving them to someone else.” It involves two back-to-back surgical procedures, one for the donor and one for the recipient. 

Most organ donations – especially those of a heart transplant, lung transplant, or a liver transplant – occur when the organ donor is deceased. It’s also important to note that organ donations can occur while the organ donor is living, such as kidney transplants, but this occurs less often. A list of what organs and tissues can be donated is found here.

Organ donation provides a life-saving opportunity for individuals with organ failure. Because of the high demand for organ donation but a limited supply of organs available to meet this demand – as shown by the extensive waiting list – it is encouraged that people consider signing up to be an organ donor to help those in need even after one’s passing. One donor has the ability to save up to eight lives. 

Conversations revolving around organ donation are not always easy nor comfortable ones to have, as they ultimately are rooted in a discussion of life and death. 

“I feel as though [people] are probably uncomfortable with the idea of parts of their body being used for donation,” said Gwen Nishti (11). 

“I think that it’s a hard conversation because it inherently comes with this idea of death and most people don’t like to have those conversations. But I think it’s an important conversation to have. I would love to have it find a way to make it an easier conversation,” said Gidion. 

Ethical concerns or fears individuals have about transplanting body parts also prohibit the discussion from surfacing. Consequently, people stay uninformed while organ donation continues to be an obstacle. 

“It’s not really talked about unless you’re filling out a form that asks if you are an organ donor or not…While it is present in everyday hospital life, it isn’t present in everyone’s day to day living,” said Moth Golba (11) who is a registered organ donor. 

Common misconceptions about organ donation that are worth noting include: 

“My religion does not support organ donation” – Most of the major faiths around the world accept organ or tissue donation, viewing it as a noble form of charity and service.  

“If I am registered, hospital staff won’t try as hard to save my life” – The duty of a hospital staff and team is to give you the best care possible. When you are being treated, it’s your life that is the focus, not someone else’s. 

“I’m too old or too young to donate” – There is no age restriction for organ donation; anyone who is in healthy condition and does not have conflicting medical conditions can register. 

“My family will be charged if I donate” – There is no cost to the donor or their family for donating their organs. This excludes charges for hospital treatment and the recovery process for the recipient. 

Throughout the process of organ donation, the deceased (or living) organ donor’s and recipient’s bodies, as well as the organs themselves, are treated with respect, dignity, and care.  

“Organ donation is a safe and well-regulated process. All potential deceased donors are carefully screened to ensure that their organs are healthy and suitable for transplantation. Medical professionals thoroughly evaluate potential living donors to ensure they are healthy enough to donate,” according to UC Health. 

Overall, the decision to donate organs is a personal choice; you have the right to choose whether or not you wish to participate in organ donation. 

For those who wish to become an organ donor, simple ways you can do so is: 

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Check the box on your driver’s license application or renewal form that indicates you would like to be an organ donor. On your physical license, you will have a red sticker with the word “DONOR”. 
• organdonor.gov or https://registerme.org/: Register online through your state by this website and its guided directions. 

“[My choice] doesn’t affect anyone or me negatively right now and then when I die, it’ll affect someone positively,” said Golba.

In the state of California, individuals who are 18 years of age or older can register to be an organ donor and have the final decision. Those who are 13 years or older can register but parental or guardian consent is required.

If you would like to specify which organs you’d like to designate for future donation or ever change your mind on organ donation, you can access your record through online registries. 

If you have further questions or concerns about organ donation, refer to the sites mentioned above.