Deciding to become an organ donor is a very personal decision and you have to make the choice that’s right for you. It is also essential to discuss your wishes with your family because your next of kin will be involved in the consent process in the event of your death.
There are two types of organ donation:
Deceased Donations
Deceased donation takes place when organs become available for transplantation after someone has died. Deceased donors may also be called non-living donors or cadaveric donors.
Pre-death donation
Anyone can indicate their wishes to become an organ donor upon their death, and may also specify which organs and tissues he or she would like to donate. Each deceased donation depends on the health of the organs, and the circumstances of the person’s death.
Post-death donation
If the brain-dead person has not signed with the PHOTA donor register, or has not otherwise left clear wishes, organ donation can go ahead after consent from family. Death is confirmed in exactly the same way for people who donate organs as for those who do not. It is around this time that the question of organ donation is raised and the family is given time to come to their decision within medical constraints.
Living Donations
Living donation happens when someone voluntarily donates an organ (usually a kidney) or part of an organ (such as the liver) to a person in need.
Donation during Life
This is a form of donation where a person donates an organ to a specific, identified recipient with whom he/she has a genetic or pre-existing emotional relationship; for example, father to son, brother to sister or wife to husband.
Donation after Death
This is a form of donation where a person choose to donate an organ to a known or unknown recipient, after his/her death.