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Facing Organ Donation and Transplantation at the End-of-Life

By: Serena Tanner • Edited by: Katelynne Shepard • Subject Matter Expert Reviewed by: Brindusa Vanta, MD • 6 cited sources • Updated Oct 14, 2024

Some people face end-of-life situations because of organ failure that could be reversed with a transplant. However, transplants can’t happen without willing organ donors. While challenging to contemplate, part of your end-of-life planning should include determining whether you’d like to participate in organ and tissue donation.

Key Takeaways

• Organ donation involves removing organs from a donor and placing them into a transplant recipient.
• It’s possible to donate organs both while living or shortly after death.
• Your consent for organ donation cannot be overridden by family members if you give consent as an adult by registering with your state as an organ donor.

What Is Organ Donation?

Organ donation and transplantation is the process of removing a healthy organ from a donor and giving it to someone who needs it. In most cases, organ donors are recently deceased people who volunteered to donate or whose family members opted to have them donate.

In some cases, living donation allows you to donate a healthy organ to someone who needs it while you’re still alive. For example, most people can live with one kidney and can donate one to someone who needs it^[1].

What Organs and Tissues Can Be Donated?

Several organs and tissues can be donated, including:

• Blood vessels
• Bone
• Cartilage
• Corneas
• Heart or heart valves
• Intestines
• Kidney
• Liver
• Lungs
• Nerves
• Pancreas
• Skin
• Tendons
• Uterus

Why Is Organ Donation Important?

Organ donation helps people with life-threatening injuries or illnesses recover and live normal lives by providing them with the specific organs they need. It restores hope to those who would otherwise be facing a premature end to their lives. 

Who Can Be an Organ Donor?

Most people can become an organ donor, regardless of their age or medical history. Even people who pass away from disease often have organs or parts that are still viable for donation. Doctors can assess the health of tissues and organs to determine if they are viable.

Many individuals who are not suitable candidates for organ donation may still be eligible for tissue donation. For example, they could donate skin, corneas, tendons and ligaments. A doctor can provide an assessment and determine eligibility for a specific tissue donation.

Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD

Is There an Age Limit for Organ Donation?

No, there is no official age limit for organ donation. However, doctors may limit transplanting certain organs based on age depending on the state and transplant center’s policies. Minors who wish to donate would also need parental consent. 

Should I Be an Organ Donor?

Everyone who is willing and able can consider being an organ donor. You can make a difference by signing up to donate after death. Choosing to be a living donor can save someone else’s life — one donor can save up to eight people with organ transplantation and help many others through tissue donation^[2]. 

What Is the Organ Donation Process?

The organ donation process follows several procedural steps. These include:

1. Before anything can be done, consent must be obtained from the donor. 
2. Tests are performed on potential donors to see if they’re eligible to donate. If they’re donating to a specific person, these can include tests to determine if they match blood types. People with certain conditions and infections may be denied.
3. Qualified donors are then matched to patients who need the organs or tissue.
4. Once the match is made, the organ is retrieved from the donor. 
5. The organ is finally transplanted into the recipient. 

Following the surgery, a living donor will remain in the hospital and undergo close monitoring, usually for a few days. After being discharged from the hospital, the organ donor will receive follow-up care and long-term check-ups to monitor their health.

Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD

Are There State-Based Differences or Considerations?

Though all 50 states allow for organ donation, the process can look different from state to state. For example, states may have their own registries to volunteer as an organ donor. They may also have different protections for living donors. Some states also allow for a tax deduction for living donors^[3]. 

How Can I Become an Organ Donor?

Becoming an organ donor is a simple process for anyone over the age of 18. Some states will even allow those under 18 to register.

Most commonly, you’ll register at the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state while getting your driver’s license or state ID or through your state’s online donor registry. In most states, you can even choose which organs and tissues you’re willing to donate^[4].

Common FAQs About Organ & Tissue Donation

Organ Donation Saves Lives

When you donate your organs after death, your legacy lives on. Any organs or tissues that are viable after you pass away can give new life to people waiting on transplant lists. No matter what you choose, be sure to discuss it with your family beforehand and record it in any advance directives to ensure your wishes are followed.

Written by Serena Tanner

Serena Tanner attended the University of Washington, where she earned a degree in philosophy after many detours delving into human rights, law, psychology, and social work. Health and holistic wellness topics continue to hold a special place in her heart. When she's not reading or writing, she can be found exploring the Pacific Northwest with her two children and dogs.

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Edited by Katelynne Shepard

Katelynne Shepard is a writer, editor and SME who is proficient at crafting and reviewing content. She has been a full-time copywriter and editor since 2011 and has written content for Fortune 500 companies, independent law firms, indie publishers, small-business owners and mainstream websites. She specializes in parenting, lifestyle, family law, personal injury, criminal law, immigration law, astrology, personal finance, education and health care. In addition to thousands of e-commerce product and category descriptions, Verle's work includes SEO blogs, social media posts and long-form informational articles.

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Subject Matter Expert Brindusa Vanta, MD

Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a healthcare professional, researcher, and medical subject matter expert . She earned her MD degree from "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine, Romania. She has a special interest in mental health and has collaborated with psychologists and other mental health practitioners on various research projects focused on therapies to manage depression, age-related cognitive decline, trauma and stressor- related conditions.