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Organ and Tissue Donation: Your Questions Answered

As an Ontario resident, you have access to life-saving transplant care if you ever need it, thanks to the generosity of organ and tissue donors. You also have the opportunity to help others in the same way by registering your consent to be a deceased organ and tissue donor.

To help you make an informed decision, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about organ and tissue donation.

What is the difference between deceased and living organ and tissue donation?

Deceased donation is the donation of organs and/or tissue after death to help save or improve the lives of others through transplantation. When you register your consent to be an organ and tissue donor, you are registering your consent for donation following your death.

Living donation is when a person chooses to give one of their kidneys or part of their liver to someone with end-stage kidney or liver disease.

Do I need to inform my family of my decision to become a donor?

Yes. Even if you’ve registered to be an organ and tissue donor, your family will still be asked for their consent when the time comes. Talking to your loved ones about your wishes ahead of time helps prepare them for that conversation. Knowing they are honouring a decision that was important to you can bring comfort and ease the burden of making choices while grieving.

Does ethnicity matter?

Some ethnicities are at greater risk for liver, kidney and heart disease where a life-saving transplant may be necessary. While a match for organ and tissue donation is not based on race, compatible blood types and tissue markers are more likely to be found within the same ethnicity. When people from diverse backgrounds register as donors, it can increase the chances of finding a match.

If I’m a registered donor, will doctors still work hard to save me?

A patient's care and well-being are the top priorities for all health care professionals. If you are critically ill or injured, the medical team will do everything possible to treat you and help you recover. Organ and tissue donation is only considered after all lifesaving efforts have been exhausted and death has been confirmed. The medical team responsible for your care is not involved in organ and tissue donation.

Can I be a donor if I'm older or have health problems?

Everyone has the potential to be an organ and tissue donor, regardless of age or health. Even people with serious medical conditions may be able to donate, so don't rule yourself out. An assessment is conducted by medical professionals at the time of death, including a review of the person's medical history and other factors to determine whether organ and tissue donation is possible.

Will funeral plans be affected?

Organ and tissue donation does not prevent funeral services, burial, cremation, or other end-of-life traditions. Donation teams work closely with families and strive to respect cultural, spiritual, and religious practices throughout the donation process.

Does my religion allow it?

Most major religions support organ and tissue donation and view it as an act of generosity, compassion, and helping others. People from many different faiths and cultures choose to donate. People are encouraged to speak with their faith leader about organ and tissue donation.

Who can register and how?

Anyone aged 16 or older with a valid Ontario Health Card can register as an organ and tissue donor.

There are three ways to register your consent to be an organ and tissue donor in Ontario:

Online at ServiceOntario
In person at any ServiceOntario location
By mail, to the address on the consent form

Learn more about how to register to be an organ and tissue donor or visit BeADonor.ca.

Watch the True or False video for more answers to common myths.