I heard that just saying "yes" when you get your license doesn't make you an organ donor. What else must you do? Do they just mean your family makes the decision after you're gone, and you must discuss it with them? Are there legal documents you must sign first?
2007-04-18 05:29:12 · 10 answers · asked by kiko 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes, I WAS going to say in my question "besides die" but I thought I would get stupid answers then... Looks like I got 'em anyway.
2007-04-18 05:48:49 · update #1
When you get your driver's license, tell them you want to be an organ donor.
Be advised, however, that your driver's license only informs people of your intentions. Your next of kin has the ultimate decision so make sure you inform them of your wishes and that they will carry them out. You can also have a living will made out that lists your desires. You can name a person that will respect your wishes.
You can also get organ donor cards from Reader's Digest magazine. This magazine is a supporter of organ donation and they have their own cards. You can contact the magazine and ask them to send you one (or some).
Another way is to become a member of Medic Alert. You can get a medical alert bracelet and ID card that lists you as an organ donor. Contact Medic Alert at medicalert.org for more information.
Here again, the same principles apply. Your next of kin always has the final say.
2007-04-18 05:39:25 · answer #1 · answered by emt_me911 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be a good idea to inform your family and have a living will made up.
One of the things many people do not understand about being an organ donor, if a person is in a coma, not even dead, doctors are able to harvest that person's organs. Be sure your family is aware of this and the living will should state this. When you are unable to respond and make requests, next of kin are legally able to, unless it's in your living will.
It would be hard to find out at the hospital that a family member does not want to be resuscitated and just have their organs donated, while they are in the coma. Communication and legal documentations will help make the transition easier for everyone.
2007-04-18 06:28:31 · answer #2 · answered by Erica, AKA Stretch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the state.
You can create a document called an Advance Health Care Directive - it needs to be witnessed and notarized - in which you can specify that you want to donate your organs when you die, that you don't want extraordinary lifesaving measures taken if you are in a vegetative state, things like that. Once you have one, it would be a good idea to carry a copy in your vehicle, and make sure that your family is also aware of the directive, and where it is located, or even give them copies and discuss it with them.
2007-04-18 05:38:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should make your wished known to your family members or put it in a written document. I would never put that on my driver's license. I had a cousin who was involved in an accident and before he was even dead, those doctors were hovering around him (not literally) seeing what organs they can get. They seemed to already have had their minds made up that he was dead and sometimes I wonder if that affected the type of care he was given.
I will donate everything that is good. But no one will ever know that until my family is ready to let them know.
2007-04-18 05:39:40 · answer #4 · answered by Speaking_Up 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know some states have a signature panel on the back of your drivers license that you sign saying that you want to be an organ donor. You may need a witness signature also.
2007-04-18 05:37:39 · answer #5 · answered by Stacey G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First and FOREMOST - make your wished known to your family, and tell them how important it is to you. You can check the spot on your drivers license and have a living will that says you want to be a donor - but one disagreeing family member can hault the whole process.
Also check the spot on your driver's license and a living will is also beneficial.
The most important thing is to make sure those who love you and will be making that decision in a tragic time know that you want to make that your final gift upon your death.
2007-04-18 05:34:29 · answer #6 · answered by Susie D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes l think so...you can't take your organs with you if you die and by being a donor you can transform the lives of others .
2016-05-18 00:52:05 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may call the nearest University Medical Center for information. They will send information and assist you in getting it set up. Good luck and God Bless you for caring about others. My friend is awaiting a kidney.
2007-04-18 05:35:05 · answer #8 · answered by Jan C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
2007-04-18 05:32:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your family can override your wishes regardless of what you do unless your death is foreseen.
2007-04-18 05:39:47 · answer #10 · answered by Red Winged Bandit 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋