How to Convince Someone To Be an Organ Donor

Out of the 92,676 American patients in need of a transplant in 2006, 6,351 people died waiting. According to medical professionals, many people who don't register as donors simply do not have the facts. Follow these four steps to talk your loved ones through their fear of making the commitment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Explain that registered organ donors get the same hospital treatment as other patients. Doctors will never choose your organs over your life, and cannot even converse with a transplant team until there is no detectable brain activity.
2. Debunk the myth that people who smoke or have other health problems can't be organ donors. Just because some parts of your body are damaged or imperfect does not mean every organ is useless. A fatty liver, for example, will not keep doctors from being able to use the femur, corneas, tendons and small intestines.
3. Address their fears about burial. Organ donors can still have an open casket. Surgeons remove the necessary organs delicately and stitch patients back up so loved ones will not know the difference.
4. Point out that they control the choices. Donors can pick which organs to donate and which organs to keep. For a list of options, or to print out a free donor card, visit www.dcids.org (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• By registering as an organ donor today, you are saving your loved ones from the stress of making that decision while struggling with grief. Many states' Donor Services Department will send a counselor to the hospital to walk families through the process. You can learn more at www.dcids.org.