Organ Donor

Carefully consider whether you will be an organ donor. There are often strong emotional concerns or angst over the idea of being an organ donor, but keep in mind that you may save one or many lives by being an organ donor. Many people are uncertain as to whether their faith prohibits organ donations. That is an issue to discuss with your religious adviser. For some faiths the issue is not about organ donations as saving a life is of the most noble and meaningful acts one can take, but rather about the definition of death. If death is defined using a Biblical definition of death as the cessation of cardio-pulmonary function it may be too late to donate organs. If a flat EEG or brain stem death is used as the defining moment of death then organs may be permitted. If you want to be an organ donor sign a donor card, if your state permits an indication on your license that you are an organ donor then do that, and be sure your estate planning health care documents like a health proxy (medical power of attorney) and living will expressly permit organ donations. When address organ donations there are many details to consider. Are you comfortable only donating organs that will be used for transplant? Are you comfortable permitting organ donations to be used by transplant but which will be held in a donor bank for a period of time? Are you comfortable and willing to donate organs or your body for medical research.