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 1600 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.