Organ transplants are highly successful and save many lives. The demand for organs is, however, outstripping the availability. We can all help by registering to become organ donors.

Gift of life

Many lives are saved every year with the help of organ transplants. Organ donation is the one way in which a person can leave a living legacy. After all, when you are dead you do not need those organs anymore while someone else may be desperate for your gift of life. Your organs may save the lives of not one but several other people and restore sight to at least two more.

Registering as an organ donor in South Africa is easy, is free of charge and does not entail any financial expenditure and, if you change your mind, you can opt out any time you feel like it.

Frequently-asked questions

    • Who can become a donor? Anyone under the age of 70 who is in good health and clear of diseases that might adversely affect the recipient, for example cancer, diabetes, hepatitis B or HIV/Aids. Donors younger than 18 years will require their parents’ permission.
    • What organs and tissues can I donate? Heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and pancreas as well as corneas, heart valves, skin and bone. You can also stipulate that only certain organs or tissue be used.
    • Can I sell my organs? No. Trading in organs and tissue is illegal.
    • Can I donate while I’m alive? Yes, live donations, such as a kidney, part of a liver or bone marrow, especially between family members, are seen as a gift because their blood groups and tissue types are often compatible.
    • How soon after death will my organs and tissue be removed? It is essential that organs or tissue be removed as soon as possible after brain death.
    • How is brain death determined? Brain death has to be certified by two doctors who are completely independent of the transplant team. They have to perform detailed tests before declaring a person brain dead and without a chance of recovery.
    • Will the medical or nursing care be changed because of my decision to be a donor? Not at all; every potential donor is treated as a living patient on a support system until after he or she is declared brain dead. Death is defined by the time of certification of brain death not by the withdrawal of support. Support on machines after brain death is merely done to get blood to the organs that are to be used for transplantation.
    • Will organ and tissue donation disfigure my appearance? Not necessarily; recovery of organs and tissue are carried out with great care by surgeons and trained staff.
    • If I donate organs will funeral arrangements be delayed? No; as soon as the donated organs or tissue have been removed, the body is returned to the family.
    • Do I have to discuss organ and tissue donation with my family? Yes; your organs cannot be removed for transplantation after death unless your family members give their permission.
    • Can my family over-rule my wishes? Not if there is written evidence of your wishes such as your donor card or a living will that clearly stipulates that you want to donate your organs or tissue.
    • Will the transplant recipient know who the donor was? In most cases, no. However, recipients may and often do write letters of gratitude that are passed on and are greatly appreciated by the donor’s family.
    • Where do I register to be an organ donor? Call the Organ Donor Foundation’s toll free line at 0800 22 66 11 during office hours or register online at www.odf.org.za. The emergency, after hours, referral number is 082 318 4376. You will be put in touch with the correct transplant coordinator in your area.

 

Sources

 

FAQ about organ donation in SA. Retrieved from: http://www.health24.com
Organ Donation Foundation FAQ South Africa. Retrieved from: http://www.financialplanningsouthafrica.com
Organ Donor Foundation. Retrieved from: https://www.odf.org.za/facebookreal.html