Organ Donations 6/2010
What is an anatomical gift?
An anatomical gift is when you make a gift of all or any part of your body to take effect upon death. Any adult may make an anatomical gift in writing, including through a will, a donor card or by a statement imprinted or attached to a motor vehicle operator's license. An anatomical gift may be made for the purpose of transplants, therapy, research, medical or dental education, or the advancement of medical or dental science. If you do not limit the gift's purpose to one or some of these uses, the gift can be used for any of these purposes. You may select who receives the gift - a hospital, physician, college, or an organ procurement group. You may also specify that the gift be used for transplant or therapy for a particular person.
Even if you have not signed a card or other document indicating your intent to donate your organs, your next of kin can approve a donation after you die. If you fill out an organ donor card, make sure you tell family members you have done so. Even if you have indicated an intent to donate your organs, an objection by your next of kin will often defeat your intention; medical personnel usually do not proceed in the face of an objection from relatives. The best safeguard is to discuss your wishes with close friends and relatives, emphasizing your strong feelings about your decision to make an organ donation.
How can I arrange to donate my body organs for others to use after my death?
You can save and enhance lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation by signing up on the Idaho Donor Registry. When you choose to be a donor on your driver license, you are then registered as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. If you would like to get specific, or limit your gift, you may do this on the registry.
The mission of the Idaho Donor Registry is to:
Ensure that all those who want to donate can document their wishes and provide the organ, eye, and tissue agencies the proper documentation to carry out each individual's wishes.
Provide educational materials on the benefits of organ, eye, tissue, and living donation.
Contact the Idaho Donor Registry
By phone, call 1-866-937-4324 or go online to: www.yesidaho.org .