Donation Essentials Blog
Can My Family Override My Decision to be a Donor?
Can My Family Override My Decision to be a Donor?
Many people wonder if their family can override their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death. In short, the answer is no. Let’s talk a little more about this decision, the registry, and the donation process.
What does Signing Up as a Donor Mean?
Signing up as an organ, eye and tissue donor means you have made the decision to donate your organs, eyes and tissues at the time of your death. That decision can make a world of difference in the lives of people waiting for a lifesaving transplant. One donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and save and heal more than 75 lives through tissue donation.
As an adult (18 years or older), your decision to be a donor is a first-person authorized advanced directive. Just like a will, this decision is legally binding and cannot be overridden by your family; which is why it’s so important to discuss donation with your loved ones.
What exactly is the Donor Registry?
A donor registry is a legal record of an individual’s decision to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor. The Donate Life Colorado and Donate Life Wyoming registries are centralized, electronic databases that track the names of residents who have chosen to sign up as donors. This ensures their decisions are honored at the time of their death. The registry is confidential, and participation requires individuals to actively opt in, such as by saying “yes” when applying for a driver’s license or state ID.
How are Families Involved in the Donation Process?
“Perri was a registered donor; we had discussed it and knew exactly what she wanted,” said Kelly Lang, Perri’s mother. “That made everything so much easier for our family at the end of her life.”
If a potential deceased donor is on the registry, personnel from the local organ procurement organization, Donor Alliance in Colorado and most of Wyoming, will inform the family and guide them through every step of the process. If the individual is not yet registered, the family will be asked to authorize the gift of organ, eye and tissue donation.
Why Can’t Family Override Donation Decisions
In matters of organ, eye, and tissue donation, honoring an individual’s decision is essential, particularly during times of profound grief. One of the main reasons family members cannot override this decision is to alleviate the burden of making another painful choice during an already difficult time. This policy ensures that the individual’s wishes are respected, providing clarity and peace of mind for both the donor and their loved ones.
Although family members cannot change the decision, having an open conversation beforehand is vital. Discussing your choice to be a donor can foster understanding and help your loved ones recognize the life-changing impact of donation. Sharing stories of local individuals who have been touched by donation can provide a personal perspective, making the importance of your decision even clearer. Additionally, educating them about the donation process can help them feel more informed and prepared when the time comes.
