How do I obtain an Organ Donor bracelet/necklace/disk?
Medic Alert provides these items, not the Organ Donor Foundation. Please telephone Medic Alert on (021) 425 7328 for further information.

How do I become a potential organ / tissue donor?
The process is straightforward. Register on line or call the Organ Donor Foundation toll free on 0800 22 66 11. We will then send you a small card to fill in and carry in your wallet. We will also send you a sticker to put on you ID document and on your driver’s license. There is no register in South Africa. Finally we recommend you discuss your decision with your next-of-kin as ultimately they will have to give approval when you die. Ask them to honour your wish.

Who can be an organ / tissue donor?
Any person under the age of 70 who is in good health and with no sign of cancer, hepatitis, diabetes or HIV / AIDS.

Can I be a donor if I have an existing medical condition?
Having a medical condition does not necessarily prevent a person from becoming an organ donor. The decision about what organs will be transplanted will be established at your time of death.

Why do I need to discuss becoming a donor with my family?
After death, your organs cannot be removed for transplantation unless your family gives their permission. The removal of organs / tissue without consent is protected by The National Health Act of 2003.

Which organs can be transplanted?
Heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and pancreas.

Which tissues can be transplanted?
Corneas, heart valves, skin and bone.

Can I agree to donate only some organs / tissue and not others?
Yes. Please inform your family which organs / tissue you do not wish to donate.

How long after death do the organs / tissue have to be removed?
It is essential that organs / tissue are removed as soon as possible after brain death in order to ensure successful transplantation. Brain death has to be certified by two independent doctors.

Is there any cost involved in becoming an organ / tissue donor?
No, it costs nothing to you nor your family.

Does my family pay for the cost of donation?
No, the hospital or state will cover all expenses from the moment of diagnosis of brain death, and your family has given consent for the removal of organs / tissue.

Would my family receive compensation for donating my organs?
No. Organ donation is a Gift, which you make.

Can people buy or sell organs and tissue?
No. Organ donation is a Gift of Life from one family to another. Trading in organs and tissue is illegal.

Can I donate an organ / tissue while I am alive?
Yes, in some cases. Live donations, such as a kidney and part of a liver are often done between family members, because the blood groups and tissue types are more compatible to ensure a high success rate. You can also donate bone marrow while you are alive.

How do doctors know I am really dead?
Two doctors, who are completely independent of the transplant team, have to perform detailed tests before a person can be declared brain dead. The criteria for brain death are very strictly adhered to and accepted medically, legally and ethically in South Africa and internationally.

Can doctors keep me alive on support systems?
All potential donors are patients on support systems. They are submitted to tests to certify brain death and become organ donors once brain death is certified and permission is obtained for organ donation. Support systems are maintained until the organs have been removed. Death of the organ donor is defined by the time of certification of brain death, not by the withdrawal of support.

Does being a donor delay the funeral?
No. As soon as the donated organs / tissue has been removed, the body is returned to the family to bury or cremate.

Does organ / tissue donation leave my body disfigured?
No. The utmost respect and dignity is given to the donor at all times. The recovery of organs and tissue are carried out with great care by surgeons and trained staff and the process does not change the way the body looks.

Are there religious objections to transplantation?
Most religions support organ and tissue donation, as it is consistent with life preservation. If you are unsure, you should talk to your spiritual leader.

Would the transplant recipient ever know who the donor was?
No. Confidentiality is always maintained except in the case of living donors, where transplants are done within the same family. Recipients may write letters of gratitude, which will be passed on and are really appreciated by the donor family.

Can I change my mind?
Yes. You can change your mind at any time. Simply tear up your organ donor card and remove your sticker from your ID document and drivers license. Please inform your family that you no longer wish to be an organ donor.