FAQs

How can I become a registered organ donor?

It's easy to become a registered organ donor. Please visit the “Supporting the Foundation” section of this website to find information on how to register where you live.

Does my age, medical condition or sexual orientation prevent me from being a donor?

Everyone can be a donor, regardless of age, medical condition or sexual orientation. Your decision to register to be a donor should not be based on whether you think you would be eligible or not, a donor’s eligibility is determined by the health care team upon their death.

Which organs can be donated?

The most frequently donated solid organs include kidneys, heart, lungs, liver and pancreas, small bowel, and stomach. Heart valves, other muscular tissue, bone, skin and the cornea can also be used for transplants.

Will every effort be made to save my life if I am an organ donor?

Yes. Potential organ donors must be declared brain-dead by two impartial doctors who operate separately from the transplant team. Brain death is defined as the cessation of all brain function. Cornea and tissue donations are also possible from persons who die of cardiac death.

Can my family learn about or meet the people who receive my organs or tissue?

Donation is a confidential and anonymous process. Donor family members and recipients are not provided with each other’s identity, however they can receive general information and in many provinces, can write each other anonymously via the transplant organization. All identifying person information in the letters is removed. This enables the recipient to say thank you and the donor family to share general information about their family member.

Are there any costs involved?

No. There is no cost to you or your family when you donate an organ.

I am a religious person – will my church support my decision to become an organ donor?

All major organized religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, support the principles of donation as a gift of life. They view organ donation as an individual choice that relieves suffering, helps others and involves giving selflessly to save life.

If I am a donor can I still have open casket funerals?

Yes. Organs are carefully removed and incisions closed by a surgical team. Recovery of organs and tissue is done with respect and dignity. It does not interfere with funeral practices and no one will know about your gift of life unless your family tells them.

What is the success rate for transplants?

Excellent. For example, after one year, liver and kidney transplant recipients enjoy a survival rate that exceeds 85%.

What is living organ donation?

An individual can potentially donate one of their kidneys or a portion of their liver to someone they know, such as a family member, spouse, friend or co-worker. In the case of kidney donation, someone could even donate to a person they don’t know. Living donors can lead healthy lives after their donation.

Why is ethnic background an important factor in donation?

Our ethnic background has an influence on the make up of our Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) type and blood group. This means that people from the same ethnic background are more likely to be a close match when it comes to finding a suitable donor.