Feature: Organ
Donation – the gift of life
The more people in Australia that are registered as donors
the more likely that people will be able to have the transplant
they need and the more lives can be saved.
More than 30,000 Australians have received transplants in the
last sixty years, and improved survival rates now mean that most
recipients of organs or tissue can look forward to many years of
productive life.
There is no age limit for corneal, kidney or liver donation and
children under 12 can register with their parent’s consent.
So don’t assume you’re too old or unhealthy to add your
name to the register! Your donation could be someone’s only
chance of recovery.
How to register
All Australian citizens can add their name to the Australian Organ
Donor Register. There are a number of ways you can do this:
On this form you can state which tissues or organs you wish to
donate. You can also use this form to clarify that you do not want
to donate any organs or tissues.
A family decision
Think of your family once you have decided what you want to do about organ and tissue donation. It is highly recommended that you inform them of your decision
and also to discuss
their wishes in this regard. It’s less stressful for family, if faced
with a decision to consent to organ donation, that they already
know your wishes. The next-of-kin can override their
relative’s consent so it is important that your intentions
are clear, should the need arise.
It also helps to ensure that your wishes are considered.
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