Signing up to be an organ donor is just the first step in making your decision known.
The next step? Sharing that decision with those closest to you.
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 cannot be changed by anyone. The only time a family can change that decision is if the person is under the age of 18 when they pass.
When a person is declared brain dead, the hospital contacts Gift of Life Michigan. Gift of Life then speaks with 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.
Letting your family know your decision during your lifetime can help remove the burden during a time of crisis and loss. While this conversation is important, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Sharing the reasons why you support organ donation and explaining that you’d like to help others after you’re gone is a great way to start.
Here are a few other ways to start the conversation:
- I just got my license and decided to be an organ donor.
- Has anyone in our family ever become an organ donor?
- Are you a registered organ donor?
- Do we know anyone who has ever been on the organ transplant waiting list?
Adding your name to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry is the most selfless act one can do. The life of every Michigan patient waiting for an organ transplant depends on people who make a compassionate decision to become an organ, eye and tissue donor.
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.
