Thank you AMN for starting this thread. As many of you know, organ donation is my passion. Heck, Angels don't need kidneys or livers or hearts etc... I can tell you firsthand, that my darling son was ill for 15 yrs. He was losing a battle, was already near blind and donation saved his life. Not me~ it was God guiding the surgeon's.

I do believe it is a choice only YOU can make. As far as what the protocol or rules are, I think different states have their own views on the subject of organ donation. In IL, they changed it to what your DR Lic. says, but tell your closest relative etc that those are your wishes if you want to be a donor. When distraught, a family member cannot always think or do what the donor wanted, due to high emotions...*understandable*.

I also know that people w/MS can donate organs. The rules used to be very strict, but the Nat Org Reg has lightened up and now "living" strangers can be a match. It's all in the blood/tissue type matching.

Do you know that if you want to be a living donar that you will not get billed for it?
It goes through the recipient's ins. At least that's how it used to be.

*getting off soapbox* I would never ever condemn anyone for not wanting to donate after death, but I know firsthand how a life can change.

Please know that I am not preaching ..... I'm just a very grateful Mom.