fundamentals
Choices to Make Before Death
Choosing to donate organs after death
The dying person may wish to Overview of Transplantation after death. This decision is best made by the ill person before death occurs and with the family in accord. In general, people dying of a chronic illness can donate only corneas, skin, and bone. People without chronic illness who die more suddenly can usually donate more organs, such as kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs. To become an organ donor, the person usually needs only to sign a standard organ donor card and to let the doctor and family know. Common concerns that may prevent some people from becoming organ donors can be allayed: Organ donation usually does not affect the appearance of the body at the funeral and does not cost the family any money. Also, organs are never taken until after death. The doctor should know how to arrange for organ donation, often even for people who die at home or in a nursing home. 