Facts About Donation
Did You Know?
Registering your decision to donate will not interfere with life-saving medical care. Organ, eye and tissue donation is only an option after all life-saving attempts have been made and death is declared.
Anyone Can Do It!
Anyone can potentially be a donor regardless of age, race or medical history. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, poor diet or lifestyle, poor eye sight or cataracts may not prevent you from being a donor.
Religious Views
All major religions approve of organ, eye and tissue donation. They see it as an unselfish act of charity. To learn about your religion’s position on donation, refer to this page:
Religion and Organ Donation
Donation & Funeral Services
Donation does not prevent open casket funerals. Donated organs, tissues and eyes are surgically removed and the donor is treated with utmost dignity and respect.
Will I Have To Pay For Donation?
There is no cost for organ, eye and tissue donation. Once recovery is initiated, LOPA or the eye bank incurs all costs for recovery.
Do Some People Have Priority Over Others?
In the US, it is illegal to distribute organs based on wealth, citizenship, or celebrity status and it is also illegal to buy or sell organs for transplantation. To learn more about the organ waiting list go to:
www.unos.org
How Do I Register?
Louisiana’s Anatomical Gift Act allows you to consent for yourself. You can register your decision to be a donor at the Office of Motor Vehicles or
online. Let family members know about your decision to become an organ, eye and tissue donor, this will allow them to support your decision to donate.
What If I Am Not Registered Or I Am Under 18 Years Old?
If you are not a registered donor or under the age of 18 the appropriate organ, eye or tissue bank must obtain consent for recovery from your legal next of kin.
How Long Is The Recovery Process?
The recovery process takes approximately 12-36 hours after death occurs, but all efforts are taken to ensure your family can make prompt funeral arrangements.
