Anyone who is 18 or older and of sound mind and body may become a donor when he or she dies. Minor s may become donors with a parent s or guardian s consent. Medical personnel must follow very strict guidelines before they can pronounce death and remove the donor s organs and tissues.
Donation occurs as an option when there is no longer medical treatment available.
All major religions in the U.S. support organ and tissue donation. If you have concerns about your religion s position, talk with a member of the clergy. A detailed discussion is available here . Neither age nor medical history should influence your decision. The decision will be made at the time of the death whether organs or tissues are transplantable.