Glossary / Lexicon

Organ donation means making a gift of a human organ for medical, research, or educational purposes

Organ donation is the process of surgically removing an organ or tissue from one person (the donor) and transplanting it into another person (the recipient) who is in need of that organ or tissue to improve their health or save their life.

Organ donation can be either living or deceased donation. Living donation typically involves donating a kidney or a portion of the liver to a family member or friend who needs a transplant. Deceased donation, on the other hand, occurs when a person has died and their organs are recovered for transplantation.

Organ donation can have a significant impact on the lives of those in need. For example, a person with end-stage kidney disease may require a kidney transplant to survive. A heart transplant may be necessary for someone with severe heart failure, and a liver transplant may be needed for someone with advanced liver disease.

Organ donation can also have a profound impact on the families and loved ones of the donor and recipient. Many families of donors find comfort in knowing that their loved one's organs have helped save the lives of others, while recipients and their families often feel a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the gift of life they have received.

It is important to note that organ donation is a highly regulated and carefully managed process to ensure the safety and well-being of both donors and recipients. Donation typically requires the consent of the donor or their family, and medical professionals are involved at every step to ensure that the process is handled with care and compassion.