Choosing to sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry gives you the opportunity to create a lasting impact on others’ lives. Making that decision known to your family is just as important.
In Michigan, your decision to someday help others through donation is protected by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Law, a state law that has been in place since 2008. Commonly known as first-person authorization, it means that your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor should be respected and cannot be changed by anyone. The only time a family can change that decision is if someone is under the age of 18 when they pass.
The key element of first-person authorization is that it respects the donor’s wishes. It removes the burden from family members or loved ones who will be asked to make this decision on your behalf. Sharing that you have signed up to join the Donor Registry can also ease any confusion during a time of crisis and loss.
When a person is declared dead, the hospital contacts Gift of Life Michigan. Gift of Life then speaks with their family about the opportunity to save lives through donation. If the person is a registered donor, Gift of Life supports the family in honoring that decision and moves forward with donation. If the deceased is not on the Donor Registry, their next-of-kin is given the opportunity to decide on their behalf. The family is given time to think and ask questions before they decide.
Gift of Life provides ongoing support and care to families throughout the donation process. This includes delivering special comfort items, including blankets, teddy bears, donation advocacy bracelets and other resources for children and adults. Gift of Life is there to answer questions and serve as the communication bridge between families of donors and the transplant recipients.
Organ donation is a powerful gift that can save lives and improve the quality of life for those suffering from organ failure. First-person authorization ensures that individuals have control over their decisions, even after death, by making consent for donation clear. To join the 4.5 million Michigan residents who have made their decision to become organ, eye and tissue donors known, visit golm.org/register. To learn the facts to make an informed decision, visit golm.org/faqs.
