On World Organ Donation Day, many of us reflect on whether we'd donate an organ to a loved one in need. Here are 5 essential facts, drawn from experts like the Biomedicine Agency, to clarify the process and encourage informed decisions.
With no communicable diseases, nearly anyone qualifies. Limits include up to 65 years for hearts, 70 for lungs, 85 for kidneys, and 90+ for corneas. Medical history reviews and serological tests confirm eligibility.
The deceased's wishes prevail by law. Sharing your intentions helps family consent—yet about two-thirds oppose even if you agreed. Carry a donor card for clarity.
Beyond helping family, living donations aid waiting lists: kidneys (60% of 2011 transplants), bone marrow, or skin for burn grafts. It involves compatibility tests, magistrate consent, and living donor committee approval.
Adults are presumed donors post-death unless registered against it. Physicians check the National Refusal Register (Biomedicine Agency). If absent, they consult family—making open discussions vital.
Only 5,746 received them (Biomedicine Agency). Harvesting occurs post-hospital death from brain injury, stroke, or arrest (Life Transplant Foundation)—affecting <1% of cases. Shifting our view on giving can save lives among our loved ones and neighbors.
Find out more here.
