Talking with loved ones about end of life issues can be very difficult for many people. Truthfully none of us want to face the fact that we won't live forever and that some difficult decisions will have to be made by those who care for us the most. Those decisions concerning organ donation are among the most important that can be made - it could mean the difference between life and death for another person. In the matter of your choices about organ donation you need to be sure that your loved ones know your wishes and that they agree to follow with what ever decision you make concerning your body.
There are almost 80,000 patients waiting for organ donations for transplantation in the United States at any one time. This points to a severe shortage of organs that is considered critical. Studies on patterns of organ donation point to the fact that families of the deceased may be refusing to consent to organ donation because they do not know or understand the wishes of their loved ones. One such study from researchers at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Pittsburgh found that:
- Families who knew about the patient's wishes were seven times more likely to donate organs.
- Families who were kept updated about their loved one's condition and got timely and detailed information on organ donation were five times more likely to donate.
- Families who met with organ donation professionals about the donation process were more than three times as likely to donate in spite of other negating factors such as sociodemographics or preconceived attitudes.
- Families who first met with the health care provider and then with an organ donation professional were almost three times as likely to consent to donate organs.
What about the donor form on my drivers license? You may think that you have already made your wishes known by signing the organ donation form on your state drivers licensee, but that alone may not guarantee that your wishes will be carried out. In many states next of kin will be asked for consent for organ harvesting despite a signed consent of the patient. If your next of kin decline to give consent your organs will not be donated.
Health and Human Services has a national campaign to encourage Americans to agree to organ donation. They also have a model national organ donor card which includes space for signatures of the donor and two witnesses. The purpose of the witness signatures is to help ensure that family member of other who may need to consent to donation will know the individual's wishes. You can download cards ready for printing or order up to ten free cards from the HHS website.
"We owe it to our loved ones to tell them our wishes and help them know they're making the right decision in case they should have to speak for us," Secretary Thompson said. Fifteen people die everyday while waiting for a donated organ. How many of these people died because someone did not want to discuss this sometimes-uncomfortable subject? Do your family a favor and talk to them, you may save a life.
updated 12/14/05
