Why should I talk with my family about my decision to register?
When your loved ones know your decision, it can bring comfort, clarity, and peace during a difficult time. If your family is not aware of your choice, that lack of knowledge can unintentionally cause distress. That’s why it’s important to share your decision and talk with your family.
Does the next of kin have the authority to override the registry?
No. Families cannot override your decision to donate, as it is the legal right of individuals to make the donation decision for themselves.
What happens if my family is opposed to my donor designation?
Most families support their loved one’s choice to save lives. If a family is opposed, DonorConnect staff will confirm documentation, address questions or concerns, and work with your family to help them understand the impact of donor designation while advocating for your decision.
Can I register my children?
Due to federal privacy laws prohibiting the collection of personal information for individuals under age 13, the registry is unable to accept registrations for children 12 years old and younger; however, in the event of death, children of any age have the potential to donate. Until registrants and non-registrants alike are 18 years old, their parents (or legal guardians) will make the final decision about organ and tissue donation.
How much does a donation cost the donor family?
Nothing. There is no charge to the donor, the donor’s family, or the donor’s estate. After death has been declared, all donation-related charges are billed to the organ procurement organization, including all laboratory tests, surgical fees, and doctor’s fees.
What should I tell my family about my decision?
Please visit our
"Talking About Donation" webpage, where examples of what you might say are available.
What does it mean to be registered as an organ, tissue, and eye donor?
When you register as an organ, tissue, and eye donor, you are saying “YES” to helping others in the event of your death. Your decision enables medical professionals to evaluate and recover your organs and tissues to save lives and heal those in need. Choosing to register as a donor is your legal right. This decision is personal and, unless you are a minor, cannot be changed by your family.
Can I donate organs if I cannot donate blood or have a chronic medical condition?
Don’t rule yourself out because of any health condition, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or because you may not be eligible to donate blood. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis at the time of death.
Will medical staff still make every effort to save my life if I am an organ donor?
Yes, the priority for medical personnel is to save the lives of their patients. Organ and tissue donation is not discussed until every life-saving option is exhausted and death has been declared or is imminent. The doctors and nurses at the medical center are completely separated from those who work for the organ and tissue recovery organizations. DonorConnect is the only agency that has access to the information on the Utah and Idaho Donor Registry
If I donate, may I still have an open casket funeral?
Yes. Organ and tissue donation involves standard surgical techniques, and the suture lines are located where clothing will cover them. Prosthetic devices are used with bone and eye donation to maintain body form. Organ and tissue donors may opt for open casket funerals, depending on family wishes and original injuries.
May I choose what is donated?
Yes. You can specify what you would like to donate when you register or edit your donor information online.
General Information
Can organs, eyes, and tissues be given to different ethnic groups or individuals of the opposite sex?
Gender does not influence the allocation of donated organs, eyes, or tissues.
Although a candidate can match a donor from another ethnic group, often transplant success rates increase (due to tissue compatibility) when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic background.
Nationally, ethnic minorities make up 60 percent of the National Transplant Waiting List.
Anyone can be a potential organ and tissue donor, regardless of age or medical condition.
All residents who are at least 18 years of age may register their authorization to donate specific or all organs and tissues upon their death. Children between the ages of 13 and 17 may also join the registry. Until the designated donor is 18 years old, however, parents (or a legal guardian) will make the final decision about organ and tissue donation.
What is your relationship with the DMV?
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a partner in signing the public up to be a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor. The DMV does not have access to our secure and confidential database.
How is priority determined for who receives an organ transplant?
When a donated organ becomes available, a list is generated by the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) that ranks recipients based on severity of illness, length of time on the waiting list, size compatibility of organs, blood type, tissue type, and proximity to the donor (because of time constraints on donated organs). Things such as income, occupation, gender, and race are not considered when an organ is placed.
How is organ and tissue recovery funded?
Funding for organ recovery activities is derived from standard acquisition fees charged to the transplant centers receiving the organs. These acquisition fees include expenses for surgeons, compatibility testing, transportation, donor hospitals, and clinical coordinators. DonorConnect bills the transplant center, which, in turn, bills the recipient and their health insurance. Funding for tissue recovery activities is derived from standard fees charged to the tissue processing agency, which, in turn, bills the physicians and hospitals utilizing these tissues.
What do major religions say about donation?
Most religions support and consider donation an act of charity. If you have any questions about the beliefs of your religion regarding donation, discuss them with your spiritual leader. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services has compiled a list of statements from major religions regarding donation. Theological Perspective on Organ and Tissue Donation
