Law review: Register as an organ donor and save lives

As most of you serious Law Review readers know April is National Donate Life. We do an organ and tissue donor column every few years as the message bears repeating.

Over 100,000 Americans are in need of an organ transplant—every day an average of seventeen people die waiting for an organ donation.

More than one third of all deceased donors are aged 50 or older and nearly 8 percent are age 65 or older like me. At 78 my parts are pretty well worn but they are open for the taking. The point is even if you are older, your organs can still be used to save a life. Almost half of the US adult population are registered organ and tissue donors. That is impressive.

While most of us may conceptionally be of the mind to donate an organ, we put it off with one excuse or another. No more excuses now is the time to register as a donor.

Organ Donation Registry

The purpose of this column is to request every one of you (family members and friends) to sign up to be an organ and tissue donor. There are several different ways you can do so. Online with the Donate Life California Registry at also see http://www.organdonor.gov, and http://www.donatelife.net. Para registrar en Español vaya a http://www.donevida.org.

Something else you can do is check “Yes! I want to be an organ and tissue donor” when you renew your driver or ID card through the California DMV.

It’s important to let your family know you want to donate because it’s not uncommon to have a well intentioned family members oppose a deceased’s desire to donate. I have seen that happen.

Years ago, I discussed organ donation with our two girls, and they were 100% supportive and immediately registered. It is either that or no college money. I no longer have that leverage, and they are still registered as donors.

Living Donor

Organs like a kidney, partial lung or partial liver can be donated while you are still alive to someone who is compatible. Often that is a family member. That is a powerful commitment. That takes the expression “Unselfishly giving of yourself” to a new level. To learn more, visit United Network for Organ Sharing at http://www.UNOS.org.

Health Care Directive

There is form prepared by the California Medical Association called “Advance Health Care Directive” that allows you to specify your health care wishes. You may appoint someone to make health care decisions should you be unable to do so yourself, and you can give instructions in advance as to your wishes. The Directive includes an organ and tissue donation election. You don’t need a Will to fill out a Directive.

Something Free from Porter

I would be pleased to have my friends at Porter Simon send you an Advance Health Care Directive-without charge–words that do not often fly by my lips. You can also get it online.

The Directive replaces the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, but that form remains valid. Even if you are uncomfortable agreeing to be a donor, which is a personal choice, completing an Advance Health Care Directive is an important part of your Estate Planning.

If you are relatively young, in particular if you are young, complete a donor directive form on the health care directive or by registering as a donor. Suggest doing so to your friends too. You may save a life, maybe many.

As they say, “you may not be a match for everyone, but you are a perfect match for someone.”

This column is an updated version of a previous Law Review.

Jim Porter is a retired attorney from Porter Simon, formerly licensed in California and Nevada. Porter Simon has offices in Truckee California and Reno, Nevada. These are Jim’s personal opinions. He may be reached at [email protected]. Like Porter Simon on Facebook. ©2025