Do I have to tell my family?
No. At or near the time of death, family members receive notice of your choice. They also get information on what will occur. You are strongly encouraged to inform your family now so it will not be a surprise to them at a very difficult time.
What if my family is against my donation?
Your Registry record serves as first-person consent. At or near the time of death, family members receive notice of your choice. They will receive information about what will occur after your passing. Recovery of organs and tissues is a surgical process and done with great care and respect. In case of sudden death, it will ease the family’s pain to know your choice.
Will donation affect memorial or funeral arrangements?
No. Generally, donation does not delay funeral or memorial services. Donation does not prevent an open casket funeral. The person’s body is returned to the family.
What if I do not want my remains returned to family members or an estate?
Prior to death, you need to have plans in place with a funeral home or research facilities if you do not want your remains returned to family members or an estate. Otherwise, it will fall into the order of priority by the state law §194.119 RSMo (http://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=194.119&bid=9947&hl).
Can my relatives make the donation decision?
If you have recorded your decision to be an organ and tissue donor and have not revoked that decision, then your relatives cannot make the decision for you. In the absence of a recorded decision or if a person is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated minor, the law provides a priority list of who is responsible for making the final donation decision. For minors not emancipated, the parent(s) or legal guardian make the final decision.
Is there support for donor families?
Yes! Support is available for donor families. Call the agency that recovered your loved ones gifts.
- Mid-America Transplant: (314) 991-1661
https://www.midamericatransplant.org/find-support/donor-family-support - Midwest Transplant Network: (913) 261-6106
https://mwtn.org/donor-family-resources/