ORGAN DONATION 

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THOUGHT OF BECOMING AN ORGAN OR TISSUE DONOR?

Everyone has their own reasons for deciding whether to become an organ and tissue donor. It is important that the people close to you understand those reasons.

• Your family need to know your decision because they will be asked to give consent.
• Families that know each other’s donation decisions are more likely to uphold them.
• Families that do not know the wishes of the deceased are much less likely to agree to donation.

DonateLife™  Australian Government Initiative DISCOVER facts and stats on organ & tissue donation Make an informed choice DECIDE to become a donor DISCUSS your decision with those close to you  Organ Donor Awareness Week - February 2012 Services of Thanksgiving These services are held annually and throughout Australia at various dates and times. An occasion of thanksgiving to remember those who have changed the lives of others. An extremely moving event.

Australian Organ Donor Register
The Australian Organ Donor Register keeps a record of a person’s decision to be a donor. Authorised medical personnel can access this register 24 hours a day from anywhere in Australia. This means when someone dies in a situation where donation might be possible, medical personnel can immediately know whether the deceased person wished to be a donor. If the deceased person is on the register, their family will be asked to give consent.

By recording your decision on the register you can be confident that your decision will be known should the circumstances arise where you may become an organ or tissue donor. If you are not registered, your family will still be asked to give consent. That is why it is important that your family knows your wishes.

Organ Donor Registration Hotline - 1800 777 203 freecall

• Australian Organ Donor Register - Sign on to save lives brochure 
• National and state organ and tissue donor contacts
• Contact your Medicare Office for a Download a registration form  
• Email full name and postal address to aodr@medicareaustralia.gov.au
  to have a copy of the registration form posted to you.

Organ Donation - Myths and misconceptions 
Discover the facts about organ and tissue donation and discuss your decision with your family. Almost anyone can decide to be an organ or tissue donor. Specialised health professionals assess each person at the time of death to decide which organs and tissues are suitable for donation.

People who drink or smoke may not be able to donate their liver or lungs but may still be able to donate other organs and tissues. People in their 80's have saved the lives of much younger people. People with cancer have been able to donate tissues.

Only a few medical conditions, such as transmissible diseases like HIV, may prevent someone being a donor. A person may not be able to donate for 12 months after having a tattoo. 

• All major religions support organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
• People can also donate a kidney or part of their liver while they are still alive, though this is usually restricted to those wanting to save the life of someone they know.
• A donor's gift and a patient's hopes are in good hands - Australia has a high global reputation for successful transplant outcomes.

View our reviewed YouTube playlist setting out a collection of videos, animations and patient stories on organ donation and transplantation.

UPDATED 25 JANUARY 2012