Legal advisor for the non-governmental organisation Transplant Education for Living Legacies (TELL), Bonnie Venter, told OFM News many people are discouraged from donating their organs because they think they are not eligible to become an organ donor. 

“It does not mean because they have a certain medical condition they will be excluded. People also think because they smoke a lot or drink alcohol that they are not suitable candidates for organ donation. That is not always the case. Lifestyle choices do not necessarily impact your eligibility.”

The figures for organ transplants in South Africa are very low – with less than three donations for every three million people, said TELL’s managing director Stella de Kock.

Venter goes on to say it is best to leave it up to medical professionals to assess to determine whether you are a viable candidate for organ or tissue donation. “It is also important to discern between organ and tissue donation. Many people would know as an organ donor you can donate most of your major organs, including your lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys. There is also a very short time for organs to be donated, which is not the case with tissue donations. If we think about tissue donation, that will include skin, corneas, and bone.”

It is important to communicate your wish to become an organ donor with your family and loved ones. Photo: suidkaapforum.com

Organ donation can only happen under very specific circumstances. “You need to be declared brain dead by two medical professionals who are not part of the transplant team. This is a legal requirement.” Venter also underscores the importance of communicating your wish to become an organ donor with your family and loved ones. 

“The reason for this is because they will have to provide written consent upon your death. No donation can occur in South Africa without written consent. You can register as a donor with the Organ Donor Foundation, which would assure your family that they are indeed making the right decision.”

National Organ and Tissue Awareness Month concludes at the end of August.

OFM News/DaneBeisheim