People don't realize this, but 17 people die every day waiting for transplants that can't take place because of the shortage of donated organs.
Transplant centers and patients are always in need of more viable organs and it is possible to help save a life even after one has ended. Yes, it's a morose idea, but organ donors can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of 40 others.
Too many people misconceive the concept of organ donation and let their fears take over. Regardless of all the hype, the biggest misconceptions can be rationally broken down. Becoming an organ donor in N.Y. is simple and the myths are illogical.
Will Medical Care Be Compromised?
Many people fear that doctors may not try to save a life if they realize that the person is an organ donor, according to Melissa Conrad Stoppler, M.D. of MedicineNet.com.
However, donation is only considered after all efforts to save the patient have failed and the patient has passed on. "Saving the patient's life is the health care provider's first priority," said the NYS Donate Life Web site.
Transplant doctors do not determine whether or not a patient receives a specific course of medical treatment either.
"Expressing your wishes to be an organ donor will never influence the quality or extent of your medical treatment," Stoppler said.
NYS Life Pass It on Registry and NYS Donate Life Registry: One and the Same?
The NYS Life Pass It on Registry and the Donate Life Registry are intent and consent registries, respectively. The two are different and if a person signed up for one, they are not automatically included in the other.
"An intent registry requires next of kin's permission for donation to proceed in the event of the prospective donor's death," NYS Donate Life said.
A consent registry, such as Donate Life, does not require next of kin's consent. Instead, if there is viable proof that a person wished to be an organ donor, then the procedure may continue in the event of the donor's death.
Why Are There Two Organ Donation Registries?
Before 2006, NYS Life Pass It on Registry was the only organ donation registry in existence. However, in 2006, a new law created the Donate Life consent registry so that next of kin permission would not be mandatory.
"It records an individual's own legal consent to organ, tissue and eye donation upon their death," NYS Donate Life said. "Family is notified of the decision and is given information about the donation process, but their permission is not required."
How To Become An Organ Donor
Becoming an organ donor is simple and only takes a few minutes. Three routes may be taken in order to pass on the gift of life:
- Print off a NYS Donate Life Organ and Tissue Donor Registry Enrollment Form at Donate Life NYS and mail it to the address listed.
- Sign the back of a driver's license to show the intent to be an organ donor.
- Sign up in the NYS Organ and Tissue Donor Registry through a local DMV office
Once the decision is made to become an organ donor and the steps have been taken to sign up in the registry, information will be sent regarding the donation process. Choices can be made about what is donated and what is not as well, NYS Donate Life said.
Are There Any Costs To Being An Organ Donor?
Organ donation comes at no cost to the person choosing to be a donor or their family.
"Family or estate will not be charged for any costs related to the donation," Stoppler said. "Likewise, organs are never sold. U.S. Federal law prohibits the purchasing or selling of organs."
For further information on organ, tissue and eye donation, visit Donate Life NYS.
