Organ Donation

Since Henry died, organ donation in England has changed to an opt out system.

It’s still for you to decide whether or not you want to become an organ donor.

Family will always be asked to support your decision. So whatever you choose, it’s really important that you let them know.

How does the opt out system work?

The opt out system works on the understanding that all adults agree to become organ donors when they die, unless they have made it known that they do not wish to donate.

If you have not recorded an organ donation decision and you are not in one of the excluded groups, it will be considered that you agree to donate your organs, when you die.

You can still choose whether or not you want to be an organ donor when you die by registering your decision and telling your family.

Your faith, beliefs and culture will continue to be respected.

How to discuss your decision

Don’t leave your family guessing.

Help them to make a decision at a difficult time. It doesn’t matter how you begin to talk about organ donation to your family. It’s just really important that you do.

3 tips to start a conversation

organ donation tip 1 to start a conversation
1. Try using a newspaper, TV story or social media post you’ve seen.

organ donation tip 2 to start a conversation
2. Explain how donating your organs and tissues will improve, or even save lives.

organ donation tip 3 to start a conversation
3. Tell them how you arrived at the decision to donate your organs.

If you want to become an organ donor

Many people don’t realise that their family’s support is needed for organ donation to go ahead. If you’ve never talked to your family about your organ donation decision, they will not know you want to save lives.

You can donate:

Henry was on the waiting list for a heart transplant with many other ill children, but an organ never became available. This is sadly a reflection of the low numbers of donor organs available in UK. 

If you are not registered please consider doing so now at https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/