Organ and tissue donation factsheet
Introduction
Organ and tissue donation involves giving organs or tissue from a child who has died to another child who needs them to survive or improve their quality of life. Giving donated organs or tissue to another child is called a transplant.
Tissues are groups of cells with a similar shape and function. In Australia, the types of tissues that can be donated include:
- parts of the eyes
- heart valves
- blood vessels
- musculoskeletal tissue (bones and tendons)
- skin
- bone marrow.
Organs are parts of the body with specific jobs. In Australia, the types of organs that can be donated include:
- heart
- lungs
- kidneys
- pancreas
- liver
- intestines.
Organ and tissue donation is a unique gift that can save lives. Australia has some of the best transplant success rates in the world, but organ and tissue donation in children is rare.
For more information and support, families can contact healthcare professionals and donation specialists who can help guide them through this process.
Things to consider
Death and donation
Organs can only be donated from children who die in the intensive care unit of a hospital.
Tissue donation can happen in most circumstances, up to 24 hours after a child has died.
The ability to donate will depend on:
- how a child has died
- any other health conditions a child had
- the organ or tissue to be donated.
Your child’s treatment team and a donation specialist will talk with you about donation and whether it is appropriate for your child and family.
Consent for donation
Consent means understanding what you are asked and clearly and freely giving your permission. Parents and legal guardians will need to agree to donate their child’s organs or tissues.
Your family will receive organ and tissue donation information and can ask questions. You will have time to spend with your child and decide if donation is the right choice.
If you agree to donate, the decision will be written down, and you will be supported through the next steps.
Families can change their minds about donation at any point up until their child is taken to the operating room.
The donation procedure
Organ and tissue donation takes place in an operating room. Your child will be treated respectfully, and any areas where tissues are taken will be covered with dressings.
This process will not affect your ability to spend time with your child before or after the procedure.
Religious Beliefs
Most religions support organ donation as a life-saving act. Seek guidance from your religious leaders if you are unsure.
Coronial Investigations
The coroner is a government official who investigates unexpected, unnatural, or violent deaths.
This includes:
- accidents
- abuse
- suicide.
Your child’s treatment team or donation specialist will discuss if an investigation is needed and its impact on organ or tissue donation.
Funerals
Organ and tissue donation should not affect funeral plans. The process is designed to make sure that your family can have a funeral within a reasonable time, and you can still have a viewing or open casket funeral.
Cost
There is no financial cost to your family for donating organs or tissues.
Organ and tissue recipients
Transplant teams follow national guidelines when they give organ and tissue donations. They consider factors like finding the best match and managing waiting lists to ensure the best possible outcome.
Support for your family
Your child’s treatment team and donation specialist will support your family throughout the process. After the donation, they will answer questions, provide updates, and offer support and counselling.
Families may also receive information about the transplants and may have the option to write to the recipients anonymously.
Registering to donate organs and tissues
The Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) is where you record your decision about donating organs and tissues. You can express your intention to donate from age 16 and complete your registration from age 18.
Talking to your family about your decision is important so they know your wishes.
