Have the conversation
Many people do not realise that their family's support is needed for organ donation to go ahead. Sadly this means that many donation opportunities are lost every year.
Where a family does not know what their relative wanted, they are far less likely to give their consent to organ donation. Last year, 835 families declined to support organ donation for reasons other than knowing that their relative did not wish to be a donor. The most common reason was being unsure if it was what their relative wanted. If all 835 families had supported donation and the donation was able to proceed, this could have led to an additional 2,500 extra transplants.
It is important that you tell your family about your decision. Do not leave them guessing what they think you would want to happen.
