Organ donation
Possessing a driver license can save lives through organ and tissue donation. One organ and tissue donor can save or enhance more than 50 lives. The State of New Jersey and the U.S. government passed the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, which allows an individual to donate his/her organs upon death.
An individual’s decision to be an organ donor can make a difference in lives throughout New Jersey and across the nation. Right now, tens of thousands of people are awaiting organ transplants, while thousands more are in need of tissue and corneal transplants. The shortage of donors is so severe that every day, 18 people die waiting for organs that could save their lives. You can give the gift of life simply by agreeing to become a donor.
Saying “yes” to organ and tissue donation is an important decision for everyone, including the more than 4,200 New Jerseyans who are waiting for organs. Learn more about being an organ donor. Get the answers and have the power to give others the most precious gift: life.
Most people do not realize that all major religions support organ donation and consider it the greatest gift a person can give. Anyone can decide to be a donor, even in cases of hepatitis and diabetes. There are no costs to the family for donation, and it will not affect funeral arrangements. Age, gender, race, ethnicity or wealth do not affect who receives available organs.
When applying for a driver license for the first time and each time it is renewed, MVC staff will ask if the applicant would like the Organ Donor designation to appear on his/her license. If the individual is 18 years or older and agrees by saying yes, he/she is legally consenting to the donation of organs and tissue. This is an important decision to share with family.
For more information about organ and tissue donation, please visit www.donatelifenj.org.
