Organ donation can save multiple lives, yet many people are unsure how to register, what their country’s system is, or what actually happens when they donate. This guide covers the facts for Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.
Most people can donate organs and tissue regardless of their age or medical history — suitability is assessed at the time of death. Age alone does not disqualify you.
Organ Donation by Country
Australia — Opt-In System
Australia operates an opt-in system. You must actively register your decision to be an organ donor. It is not enough to tell your family — registration is the only legally binding way to record your choice.
- How to register: Through the Australian Organ Donor Register via your Medicare account online, or by downloading and submitting a paper form
- Stats: Around 69% of Australians support organ donation, but only 38% are actually registered
- Family consent: Even if you are registered, your family will be consulted before donation proceeds. It is critical that you discuss your decision with them
- Transplants per year: Approximately 1,200–1,400 Australians receive organ transplants annually
- Waiting list: Around 1,800 people are on the active transplant waiting list at any time
United Kingdom — Opt-Out System
England moved to an opt-out system (deemed consent) in May 2020, and Scotland followed in March 2021 (Wales was the first UK nation to opt out, in 2015). This means adults are automatically considered potential organ donors unless they have opted out or are in an excluded group.
- How to register or opt out: Via the NHS Organ Donor Register. You can register your decision to donate, or formally record your decision to opt out
- Excluded groups: Children under 18, people who lack mental capacity for more than 28 days, visitors to the UK, and people not ordinarily resident in the UK
- Family involvement: Families are still consulted before donation proceeds. The opt-out system does not override the family’s involvement
- Transplants per year: Approximately 4,000–4,500 in the UK
- Waiting list: Around 7,000 people are waiting for a transplant at any time
New Zealand — Opt-In System
New Zealand operates an opt-in system similar to Australia. You must actively register to become a donor.
- How to register: Via the NZ Organ Donor Register online
- Family involvement: As in Australia and the UK, your family will be consulted before donation proceeds. Discussing your decision with them is essential
- Transplants per year: Approximately 300–350
- Waiting list: Around 600 people are on the waiting list
What Organs and Tissues Can Be Donated?
Organs (for transplantation)
- Kidneys
- Heart
- Liver (can be split, saving two recipients)
- Lungs
- Pancreas
- Intestines
Tissues (for transplantation or research)
- Corneas (restore sight)
- Heart valves
- Skin (for burns victims)
- Bone and tendons
- Blood vessels
- Amniotic membrane
The Donation Process
Organ donation only proceeds in very specific circumstances — typically when a person dies in a hospital intensive care unit on a ventilator. This is because organs need to be kept oxygenated until they can be surgically removed and transplanted.
Step-by-step
- Death is declared by medical staff (either brain stem death or circulatory death)
- The donation register is checked to see if the deceased registered as a donor
- The family is approached and consulted about the deceased’s wishes. This conversation is handled by specialist donor coordinators, not treating doctors
- Medical suitability is assessed — blood tests, tissue typing, and screening for transmissible diseases
- Recipients are matched via the national transplant waiting list
- Surgery takes place — organ retrieval followed by transplantation into recipients
The entire process is handled with respect and dignity. The body is treated as it would be for any surgical procedure, and organ donation does not prevent an open-casket funeral.
Common Myths
- “I’m too old to donate” — Age alone is not a barrier. People in their 80s and 90s have successfully donated
- “My medical history will disqualify me” — Suitability is assessed at the time of death. Many conditions do not prevent donation
- “Doctors won’t try to save me if I’m a donor” — The medical team treating you is entirely separate from the transplant team. Saving your life is always the priority
- “My religion doesn’t allow it” — Most major religions support or permit organ donation as an act of charity and saving life. Check with your specific faith leader if unsure
- “I have a donor card on my phone so I’m registered” — A note on your phone is not legally binding in any of these countries. You must be registered on the official organ donor register
Tissue Donation After Circulatory Death
If you die outside of a hospital ICU (for example, at home or in hospice), organ donation is usually not possible. However, tissue donation (corneas, skin, bone, heart valves) is still possible up to 24 hours after death in many cases. Discuss this with your funeral director if donation is important to you or your family.