Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Organ Donation?
Organ donation is the harvesting of an individual’s organs after death for transplantation into another person. The donor gives the organs, and the recipient receives them.
2. Who can be a donor?
Anyone—from a child to an elderly person—can be a donor. Even people with a history of serious illness may still qualify under the right medical circumstances.
3. Which organs can be donated?
Organs that can be donated include lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, intestines, and pancreas (in cases of brainstem death with artificial support).
Tissues that can be donated include corneas, heart valves, bones, skin, ligaments/tendons, and veins.
4. What is brain death?
Brain death occurs when a severe, irreversible injury damages all areas of the brain. The person cannot sustain life without artificial support, though vital functions may be maintained temporarily to facilitate organ donation.
5. What is cardiac death?
Cardiac death occurs when the heart and breathing stop. Organs and tissues lose circulation and oxygen and die. People who experience cardiac death can donate tissues.
6. What is the difference between brain death and coma?
Coma is a deep unconscious state where brain activity continues, and recovery may be possible.
Brain death is irreversible; all brain function stops permanently, often due to severe injury or hemorrhage.
7. When must organs be removed?
Organs must be removed as soon as possible after brain death is declared while circulation is maintained artificially.
Tissues may be removed within 12–24 hours after death.
8. Can a living person donate his/her organs?
Yes. A living person can donate a kidney, part of the liver, or part of the pancreas—but only to blood relatives as per the Transplant of Human Organs Act, 1994.
9. Will my decision to be a donor affect my medical care?
No. Medical teams that work to save your life are separate from those involved in organ transplantation. Donation is only considered after all life-saving efforts fail and death is legally declared.
10. Will organ donation disfigure my body or affect funeral arrangements?
No. Organs are recovered by trained surgeons with great care. Donation does not disfigure the body or delay funeral arrangements.
11. Can people buy or sell organs?
No. The Transplant of Human Organs Act strictly prohibits any commercial dealings in organs. It is a punishable offence.
12. Are there any religious objections to organ donation?
Most religions support organ donation. If unsure, individuals may consult their spiritual leader.
13. How can I become a donor?
Once you decide to be an organ or tissue donor you need to register with SHATAYU as an organ donor. Carry your donor card along with you at all times. And most importantly, communicate with your family your wish to become an organ donor.
14. Can I later withdraw or revoke my consent to become an organ donor?
Yes. You can change your decision and withdraw to consent to be an organ donor. Just tear the donor card and deregister from SHATAYU’s organ donor registry. Also, inform your family that you no longer wish to be an organ donor.