Nationally, about 63 people receive an organ transplant every day, but another 17 people on the waiting list die because not enough organs are available. Last year, in New York alone, 603 people died waiting for an organ donation and 8,078 people are currently awaiting organ and tissue transplants. For these reasons, more and more people are considering the possibility of donating organs - or even their entire bodies - after death.
With advances in medical science, it's now possible to donate, organs (before and after death), tissue (including skin, bone, corneas, heart valves, blood vessels and tendons), bone marrow (before and after death), and/or your entire body, for medical research.
Under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act of 1984, it's illegal to sell "or buy-human organs or bodies." Anyone violating this law can be fined and/or sent to jail.
Available transplant organs are gifted according to many factors, including, location of the donor and donee, severity of illness, physical characteristics, like blood type, size and genetic makeup. Factors like wealth or celebrity status aren't considered when deciding who gets an available transplant organ.
You can and should express your wishes in your Health Care Proxy. You can also register to be an organ donor with your local Department of Motor Vehicles, and have it noted on your driver's license. It's important to carry your donor card and/or the health care proxy card (that we create for you), with you at all times in your wallet.
You should discuss your wishes with your family, so that it won't come as a shock to them, and so that they understand how important it is to you that your wishes be followed. As a practical matter, a family member who is not aware that the family member intends to make a donation can unintentionally undermine your wishes. Choosing an agent willing to follow through with your wishes is of paramount importance.