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Planning to Be an Organ Donor Upon Death

Table of Contents


Overview

Some people who are critically ill need an organ transplant to live. But there are a lot more organs needed than are available. Many people choose to donate organs upon their death.

How can you be an organ donor?

The following tips can help you plan to be an organ donor.

People of any age can register to be organ donors. In many states there's no minimum age, though an adult might have to sign for someone under age 18.

What organs can you donate?

You can choose what organs and tissues you would like to offer for donation. Or you can choose to donate any organs that are needed. You can also choose to donate for transplant, for research, or for educational purposes.

Organs to donate include:

Tissues to donate include:

Blood products include:


Credits for Planning to Be an Organ Donor Upon Death

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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