Making the decision to become an organ donor
Deciding to donate
For many people, organ donation is an opportunity to give new hope to others. When we die, our organs may be the difference between life and death for sick or injured people.
The organ donation decision can be difficult for many people. Because donation happens after we die, the decision-making process requires that we confront our own mortality. Alongside this, many also have questions relating to religious, family or medical concerns. People have many questions about being a donor: Who will receive my organs? How does donation actually happen? How will I look afterwards? How will my family be affected?
These are important questions. But before discussing ‘who' and ‘how', we should consider ‘why'...
Why should I become a donor?
Australia is a world leader in successful organ transplants but a shortage of donors means that around 1700 people are waiting at any one time for a life-saving or life-improving transplant. The demand for transplant organs and tissues is growing.
One organ and tissue donor can save the lives of up to ten people and significantly improve the lives of dozens more. The overwhelming reason most people give for deciding to become donors is simply to help save or improve the lives of others.
Learn more: Deciding to donate (.pdf)
Why do I need to register?
The Australian Organ Donor Register is the official national register for organ and tissue donation.
The register keeps a record of whether a person wishes to be a donor and of the organs and tissues they agree to donate. Authorised medical personnel can access the register 24 hours a day from anywhere in Australia.
This means that when someone dies in a situation where donation might be possible, medical personnel can immediately know whether the deceased person wished to be a donor. If the deceased person is on the register, their family will be asked to give their consent.
You do not have to register in order to be a donor. If you are not registered, your family will still be asked to give consent. That is why it is important that your family knows your wishes.
How to register
A record of your decision
The Australian Organ Donor Register is the official national register for organ and tissue donation. The register keeps a record of a person’s decision to be a donor and of the organs and tissue they agree to donate. Authorised medical personnel can access the register 24 hours a day from anywhere in Australia. This means that when someone dies in a situation where donation might be possible, medical personnel can immediately know whether the deceased person wished to be a donor. If the deceased person is on the register, their family will be asked to give their consent.
By recording your decision on the register you can be confident that your decision will be known should the circumstances arise where you may become an organ or tissue donor. If you are not registered, your family will still be asked to give consent. That is why it is important that your family knows your wishes.
To register to become an organ and tissue donor:
- visit the Australian Organ Donor Register website
- call 1800 777 203
- fill out a form at any Medicare office
Your local GP may also have registration forms. You must be 16 years or older to register your organ donation decision on the register. Even if you have previously registered your decision elsewhere (for example by ticking a box on your driver’s licence renewal) it is still important that you register on the Australian Organ Donor Register as it is the only national register and details can be linked to your Medicare number.
To find out more, including your current status on the Australian Organ Donor Register, call Medicare Australia on 1800 777 203 or visit your local Medicare office.
A Personal Perspective
On the 25th of August, 2009, I received my Official Certificate of Registration as an Australian Organ Donor on the National Donor Registry. I can honestly say, holding that Certificate, and Organ Donor Card was a very proud, and humbling moment in my life. Through this one simple act I now had the opportunity, when the time came, to give the greatest gift of all. The Gift of Life.
A Copy of my Certificate of Organ Donor Registration (certain details have been omitted for privacy, and security reasons)
Registering to become an Organ Donor in Australia is really very simple. It only takes a small amount of your time, and the potential benefits to others are enormous.
I would personally suggest, unless there is no other way, that you avoid registering through the Australian Organ Donor Register Website. Unfortunately the registration forms online don't always work. Your best bet is to go into your nearest Medicare Branch, and complete an Organ Donor's Registration form. It only takes a few minutes, and if you want to save even more time you can fill the form out at the counter, while the Medicare Officer is preparing to officially register you on the system. You will need to bring your current Medicare Card with you.
Once all of your details have been confirmed, including what organs you wish to donate, and whether or not you are also willing to be a tissue donor, you should receive your Official Registered Organ Donor's Card in the mail within 2-3 weeks. Make sure you carry it with you at all times.
And don't forget to inform your family, friends, and loved ones of your decision to be an Organ Donor. Regardless of whether you are listed on the National Donor Registry, it is actually your family who have the final say.
For more information on discussing your decision with your family, please follow this link.
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