Changes in federal legislation were enacted in August of 1998. Currently more than 60,000 people linger on a national waiting list for potential transplant. Statistics show that each year out of approximately 15,000 people who are pronounced brain dead, that is, death based on neurological criteria, only 5,000 actually become organ donors. Another 5,000 are never identified as potential donors or approached as candidates, and the families of the remaining 5,000 decline the option. Due to the lack of available organs, many people die waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
Research suggests that the key is in the asking process.
Donor Cards Public awareness has encouraged more people to sign cards for organ and tissue donation. In all states, a signed donor card is considered to be legal, signed consent. Many OPOs, however, will not procure the organs and tissues of potential donors even with the presence of a signed donor card if the family opposes the donation. In cases such as these, the family assumes the ultimate right to decide and relegates donor cards to an expression of intent and a catalyst for family discussion. However, despite heightened public awareness, family discussions about donation do not seem to occur until a catastrophic event forces the issue.