Navodaya Jeevan Foundation

The Need for Organ Donation

The essential information you need to make an informed decision.

What is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is the process of giving an organ or a part of an organ for the purpose of transplantation into another person. This selfless act can save or transform the life of someone who is suffering from organ failure. Donation is a gift, allowing your legacy to live on by giving someone else a second chance at life.

It can happen after death (deceased donation) or, in some cases, while the donor is alive (living donation).

A diagram of the human body showing different organs.

Types of Organ Donation

Deceased Donation

This involves donating organs after death, typically after being declared brain-stem dead. A single deceased donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and improve the lives of more than 50 people through tissue donation.

Living Donation

A living person can donate certain organs or parts of organs, such as a kidney or a part of the liver, lung, or pancreas. This is often done for a family member or a close friend, though altruistic donations to strangers are also possible.

Who Can Donate?

People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine which organs and tissues can be donated.

  • All Ages: Both newborns and senior citizens have been donors.
  • Medical History: Even with a history of illness, you may be able to donate certain organs or tissues.
  • The Important Step: Register your wish to be a donor and, most importantly, talk to your family about your decision.

Myths vs. Facts