Talk to your family about this important decision. And, take an extra step. Keep one card and give the other to family members. Another man, woman or child is added to the transplant waiting list every 18 minutes, according to the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. Donor families are never charged or compensated.
Donation has no effect on funeral arrangements.
It doesn t preclude having an open casket. No major religious group objects to organ and tissue donation. Remember it s imperative that family members know your wish to give. Additionally, since hospital staff is required to ask family about organ donations, taking care of this important decision yourself may relieve stress on family members during a difficult time. Surveys indicate that eight of every 10 Americans are willing to become organ and tissue donors.