Organ donation is an issue many people don't consider until they are asked about it when renewing a driver's license or identification card. In the United States in August 2009, over 102,000 people were on the waiting list for organs, according to real time statistics published by United Network for Organ Sharing. On average, 18 people were dying each day waiting for a transplant, and a new name was being added to the transplant list every 12 minutes.
Age
Organ donation doesn't have any age requirements; however, children under 18 years old do need written parental consent to donate organs.
Types
Living donations and deceased donations are the two types of organ donations. A living donation can be done if the donor is donating organs such as a kidney or a portion of the liver; however, a deceased donation can be made of any organ, as long as the donor or his family doesn't specifically decline the use of that organ.
Process
It is mistakenly believed that you can donate your organs simply by signing an organ donor card or noting your wishes on your identification; however, you must also let your family know your wishes. The hospital will consult with your closest relatives to determine if you still wanted to donate your organs just prior to your passing.
Cost
An organ donor or the organ donor's family won't incur any costs associated with the organ donation. The harvesting process is paid for by the recipient.
Religious Considerations
According to organdonor.gov, most organized religions permit organ donation. In fact, some, including Seventh-Day Adventist, Presbyterian, United Methodist, Judaism, Episcopal, Baptist and Catholic churches, all encourage organ donation.
Donations
The American Heart Association states organ donations usually consist of multiple organs when the donor is deceased. In most cases, each organ will go to a different recipient; however, the stomach and intestines are commonly given to a single donor, as are the lungs.
