Facts about organ donation

Who decides who gets a donated organ?

Fact: A national computer system and strict standards are in place to ensure ethical and fair distribution of organs. Organs are matched by blood and tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time and geographic location.

Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ donation can only be considered after death has been declared by a physician.

Fact: Buying or selling organs is illegal. It is a federal felony to give or receive money or any other tangible gift in exchange for a donated organ.

Fact: There is no standard age limit or cut off to receiving a transplant. Each transplant hospital has its own specific criteria for accepting transplant candidates.

Who can donate and how?

Fact: People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.

Fact: Organs and tissue that can be donated include: heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, corneas, skin, tendons, bone, nerve and heart valves.

Fact: If you are not registered, you can become a donor by visiting registerme.org.

Fact: Even if you have indicated your wishes on your driver’s license, state donor registry or the National Donate Life Registry, share your decision with your family so they know your wishes.

Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most major religions. Read about theological perspectives on organ and tissue donation.

Fact: Donors are needed for all races and ethnic groups. Transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic background.

After organ donation

Fact: An open-casket funeral is possible for organ and tissue donors.

Fact: There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for organ and tissue donation.

Fact: Information about an organ donor is only released to the recipient if the family of the donor requests or agrees to it. Otherwise, a patient’s privacy is maintained for both donor families and recipients.

How can we increase transplants?

Fact: Living donation increases the existing organ supply.

Fact: The U.S. has performed more organ transplants than any other country. In 2023, there were more than 39,000 organ transplants from deceased donors. This represents an 8.9 percent increase over 2022 and marks the eleventh consecutive record-setting year.

Fact: The OPTN Board of Directors adopts a three year strategic plan to identify and prioritize key initiatives that will help us achieve our vision of a lifesaving transplant for everyone in need.