Who can be an organ donor?
There are no age limits on who can be an organ donor. Newborns as well as senior citizens have been organ donors. If you are younger than 18, you must have a parent's or guardian's consent. If you are 18 years or older, you can show you want to be an organ and tissue donor by signing a donor card. You can download and print an organ donor card at ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/organdonor/newdonorcard.pdf.
Carry the card in your wallet. In some states, you can state your intent to be an organ donor on your driver's license. To learn more about state organ and tissue donor registries, visit http://organdonor.gov/donor/registry.shtm.
If you want to be an organ donor, make sure your family knows your wishes. Your family may be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur. You may also want to tell your family doctor, lawyer, and religious leader that you would like to be a donor.
Who cannot be an organ donor?
People with certain medical conditions cannot donate an organ. This includes people with:
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HIV
- Actively spreading brain cancer
- Certain severe, current infections
In some cases, if you have another disease or chronic medical condition, you can still donate your organs.
Will my religion allow me to donate my organs?
Talk with a leader in your church, synagogue, or religious organization before making a decision about whether to donate your organs. You may be interested to know that most religions support organ and tissue donation as a charitable act of love and giving.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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