Everything you need to know about organ donation

Signing up the Australian Organ Donor Register only takes a moment, but it could make a lifetime of difference for someone in need.

There are roughly 1,400 Australians waiting for an organ transplant right now. A further 11,000 people on dialysis would benefit from a new kidney. Almost 70 per cent of Australians say they’re willing to donate organs and tissue upon death, yet organ donation is low: only one in three people are registered.

Becoming an organ donor is a simple process, but the role a donor can play in someone’s life is profound. Donated organs and tissue can help people suffering from an array of conditions – like congenital heart defects right through to cystic fibrosis – find a new lease on life.

Here, we look at some of the myths and misconceptions around organ donation in Australia.

There’s a long list of reasons to support organ donation. But the main one is simple: it saves lives.

In 2018, 1,782 Australians were saved with transplants. People similar to Yvonne Bali, who received a new lung in the late 1990s after battling a rare genetic respiratory disorder that had her on oxygen 24/7. Yvonne went on to see children married, to meet grandchildren, and to set up the Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation of WA before passing away in 2016 a full – 17 years after her transplant.

Or there’s the story of Parker, who was rushed to hospital a couple of months after his first birthday and eventually diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that left him in a critical state. Doctors didn’t think that Parker would survive – until a new heart arrived at the last minute, saving his life.

There are lots of misconceptions around organ donation that prevent people from registering.

Chances are, you’re a viable donor. Smokers and people who drink alcohol, for instance, often rule themselves out, but they shouldn’t. Similarly, some believe that organ donation might contravene their religion, but many faiths – including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism – allow for organ and tissue donation.

The truth is, although age and medical history are taken into account (things like HIV might rule you out), most people are eligible organ donors.

Then there are the apprehensions around donation. A lot of which are rooted in myths.

One fear, for instance, is that the donation will leave your body disfigured. But doctors work hard to close any incisions and maintain the integrity of the body. Another concern is that doctors won’t work as hard to save a life if it’s a registered donor. This simply isn’t the case, though. According to the Australian Government Organ and Tissue Authority: “Saving your life is the absolute priority of medical staff. Organ and tissue donation is only considered when the person has died or death in inevitable.”

Joining the Australian Organ Donor Register is facilitated through the Organ and Tissue Authority and Services Australia. Registering only takes a few moments. All you need is basic personal information and Medicare details. If you’re over 18, you can apply online either on the Authority’s Donate Life website, through your MyGov account, or with the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. Alternatively, you can print out or collect a form and drop it off to your closest Services Australia centre.

At the end of the day, your family makes the final decision about donating your organs if you pass away. Registering as an organ donor, then, means registering your preference – so it’s important to discuss your decision with your family or next of kin. In nine out of ten cases, the family will honour your choice. Meaning, 93 per cent of the time a life is potentially saved. The decision is yours.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.