My organs are no good!
It doesn’t matter how old you are, or even if you think you’re not healthy enough – you can still register to donate organs. A specialist donation team will make an assessment on a case by case basis, and there is every chance that some of your organs and tissues may be suitable for donation.
Only 2% of Australians die in a way that makes it possible for them to donate their organs. This is why every potential donor is precious.
We see clients concerned about donating organs. See this link to dispel some myths – https://www.donatelife.gov.au/all-about-donation/myths-about-donation
Talk about it with loved ones
Your preference regarding organ donation is often considered when you are preparing/updating your will and other estate planning documents such as your guardianship appointment document.
If you are ever in a situation where organ donation is possible, your appointed enduring guardian/s (with other family members) can decide with the help of a specialist donation team whether an organ or organs are suitable to be donated.
Talking to your family while you are well, indicating your preference in your guardianship appointment document and registering with the Australian Organ Donor Register assists family to make an informed decision, if required. You can check if you are already registered by logging into your MyGov or Service NSW account.
Australian Organ Donor Register
Your preference to donate organs is no longer stated on your driver’s licence, as it used to be.
It is easy to register with the Australian Organ Donor Register, see the link: Register Today.
How donation helps save lives
In many cases, organ donation can save the lives of people who are sick and dying. Here are some interesting facts about the importance of organ and tissue donation:
- Two kidneys can be transplanted into one person and living donation of kidney tissue is also possible for people with severe kidney failure;
- Heart valves can be donated and are mainly used to fix genetic defects in babies;
- There are almost 2,000 people on a transplant waiting list at any given time;
- You do not have to be in perfect health to be a donor — many people who smoke, drink and have an unhealthy diet can be considered for donation;
- In 2025, 557 deceased organ donors saved the lives of 1,438 people in need;
- There are almost 8 million people on the Australian Organ Donation Register, which is about 35% of our national population.
Find out more
To find out more about your eligibility to donate, and how the donation process works, visit here: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/all-about-donation
Note: This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult a legal professional before for content specific to you.