Organ Donation
1. If the Loved One Was a Registered Donor
If your loved one was registered as an organ donor (e.g., through the DMV, state registry, or an online registration), their documented wishes generally take precedence. However:
Families are typically consulted by the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), and you can discuss specific preferences.
Some registries allow the donor to pre-select which organs or tissues to donate, including corneas, kidneys, heart, skin, etc.
If no preferences were documented, the family can express them at the time of donation.
2. If There’s No Prior Registration
If your loved one wasn’t registered, the next of kin will make the decision in consultation with the OPO.
You can absolutely specify what you are or aren’t comfortable donating — for example, allowing only corneas or only certain organs.
The OPO will guide you through the process and explain what’s possible based on the circumstances.
3. How Cornea Donation Works
Corneas are among the most commonly donated tissues and are often easier to approve separately than full organ donation.
Cornea recovery typically doesn’t delay funeral arrangements.
If the family wishes to donate only corneas, they simply inform the OPO, and the recovery process will be limited to that.
FAQ: Organ & Tissue Donation — What Families Need to Know
Organ and tissue donation is one of the most generous gifts a person can give, but for many families, the process can feel overwhelming — especially when it happens during a time of grief. Below are answers to some of the most common questions families ask when a loved one is an organ donor.
1. If my loved one was a registered donor, do we still have a say?
Yes — even if your loved one was registered, the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) will meet with the family to explain the process and answer any questions.
In most cases, the donor’s documented wishes are honored, but families can express preferences, ask questions, and discuss specific concerns. If there are cultural, spiritual, or personal reasons to limit donations, the OPO will guide you through available options.
2. Can we specify which organs or tissues are donated?
Absolutely. Families can choose to allow full organ donation or limit it to specific organs or tissues.
For example, you may approve cornea donation only while declining other organs. The OPO will document your wishes and ensure only what’s been agreed upon is recovered.
3. What if my loved one wasn’t a registered donor?
If your loved one didn’t register as a donor, the next of kin will make the decision on whether to donate. During this time, the OPO will explain what’s possible and answer all your questions. You are never required to agree to full donation — you can choose which organs or tissues, if any, you’d like to donate.
4. Does cornea or tissue donation affect funeral plans?
In most cases, no. Corneas and many tissues (such as skin, bone, or tendons) can be recovered quickly and don’t interfere with open-casket viewings or funeral timelines. If you have specific concerns, ask the OPO for details about how the process affects arrangements.
5. How soon does the decision need to be made?
Organ donation must happen very quickly, usually within hours of death, which is why the OPO contacts families right away. Tissue and cornea donation have a slightly longer window, but decisions still need to be made promptly. The OPO will walk you through the timeframes step by step.
6. Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Each region in the U.S. is served by its own Organ Procurement Organization. You can find yours at https://www.organdonor.gov. They can explain your options, answer questions, and provide support during the process.
Final Thought
Saying “yes” to donation — whether full or partial — is a deeply personal decision. There is no right or wrong choice. Whether you choose to donate tissue, several organs, or nothing at all, your loved one’s memory and dignity will be respected.
