Your Legacy of Life: Organ Donor Considerations

Making Arrangements for Organ Donation Post-Mortem

At James H. Wilson Law Firm, we understand the profound impact that organ donation can have, not only on the lives of recipients but also as a lasting legacy of generosity. Advances in medical technology have significantly increased the success rates of organ and tissue transplants, amplifying the need for donors. Commonly transplanted organs and tissues include:

• Corneas
• Hearts
• Livers
• Kidneys
• Bones and bone marrow
• Tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues
• Skin
• Pancreases
• Lungs

While tissues and corneas can be harvested from a broad range of donors for both transplant and research purposes, other organs like hearts, livers, and kidneys are subject to more stringent compatibility criteria. Regrettably, out of the multitudes on transplant waiting lists, particularly for kidneys, a mere 1% of those who pass away meet the qualifications necessary to donate these vital organs.

Securing a donor card is advisable to ensure your intention to donate is clear and acknowledged; this card should be kept on you at all times. Many states also provide the option to indicate your donor status on your driver’s license with accompanying documentation and a noticeable designation on the license itself.

Beyond these steps, articulating your wishes within an advance healthcare directive or living will fortifies your choice to donate. More states are adapting their health care forms to include specific organ donation instructions, enabling individuals to delineate the organs and tissues they wish to donate and designate their intended use—transplantation, therapy, research, or education. Discover more about these essential healthcare documents in our resource section on Living Wills and Powers of Attorney for Healthcare.

It is imperative that organ and tissue donation procedures are carried out immediately following death, thereby necessitating prearranged plans. It is equally important to communicate your decisions clearly with those closest to you, including any appointed health care agent through an advance directive or power of attorney.

Despite having expressed your wishes to donate, family objections can still impede them. The most reliable protection is to formally document your intentions and ensure that family members and friends are aware of them. At James H. Wilson Law Firm, we are here to assist you in articulating and legally formalizing your choices, safeguarding your desire to gift life even after you have passed.

Should you require guidance or have queries about organizing your affairs for organ donation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 804.740.6464. Your decision to donate could be one of the most powerful legacies you leave behind.