Organ donation is the process of donating organs or biological tissue to a living recipient who is in need of a transplant. In the United States, Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and action. The National Donor Sabbath is an annual observance two weekends before Thanksgiving, from November 15 to 17. It’s a significant time when leaders of various faiths unite for prayers, worship, and programs to emphasize the life-saving importance of organ and tissue donation. It’s a heartfelt appeal to people of all religions, encouraging them to consider the power they hold to save lives.
The narrative of organ donation in the US revolves around a deeply ingrained sense of humanitarian service, echoing the country’s diversity. It’s about coming together, despite religious or cultural differences, and acting on the universal belief in kindness and the human capacity to help others. Donating a heart, liver, kidneys, or even eyes is more than a medical procedure; it is a spiritual and life-affirming choice.
The Organ Donation Landscape in America
The numbers are staggering: about 121,000 people in the US are on waiting lists for organ transplants. Each day, 22 people die because of a lack of available organs. And yet, there’s hope — research has shown that a single healthy donor can save or improve the lives of up to 75 people. It’s a reminder of the enormous impact organ donors can have, even during their lifetime. For example, a kidney and stem cells can be donated while living, and celebrities like Natasha Richardson and Jake Garn have famously made such life-saving contributions.
Efforts like the National Donate Life Registry, managed by Donate Life America, ensure that once a person registers as an organ donor, their intention follows them wherever they live in the country. Young people aged 15 to 17 can also register their intent, though a parent or guardian makes the final decision until they turn 18.
Organ Donation in India: Potential and Challenges
Meanwhile, in India, the story of organ donation unfolds differently. Despite a population of over a billion, India faces a monumental shortage of organs for transplants. The statistics paint a grim picture: an estimated 1.5 lakh brain stem deaths occur annually, largely due to road accidents. Yet, the organ donation rate remains alarmingly low at just 0.86 per million population. In 2017, there were only 905 deceased donors. Compare this to the demand for nearly 5 lakh organs each year, and it becomes clear why so many lives are lost.
Organ donation in the US stems from a deeply ingrained sense of humanitarian service. Donating a heart, liver, kidneys, or even eyes is more than a medical procedure; it is a spiritual and life-affirming choice.
The problem, in part, is rooted in a lack of awareness and cultural hesitance. Families of potential donors often struggle with the decision to donate the organs of a loved one who has been declared brain dead. The transplant coordinator’s role is crucial, as they must sensitively convey that organ donation, even in a moment of profound grief, can give another person a second chance at life. Yet, in a society where discussions about death are often taboo, many relatives remain unsure or unwilling.
In December 2012, the MOHAN Foundation (an NGO started in 1997 to promote organ donation in Chennai by philanthropists and medical professionals led by Dr Sunil Shroff) organized a multi-religious gathering called ‘Sant Sangama’ in Bangalore during which religious leaders from various faiths unanimously supported organ donation, recognizing it as one of the supreme acts of giving. Among the distinguished voices was Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, a globally respected Hindu spiritual leader with over 3 million followers. Since then, MOHAN Foundation has maintained a close connection with him and his community. Swamiji endorsed organ donation, drawing inspiration from Hindu scriptures, and his message was later turned into a compelling film. While endorsements from religious leaders significantly raise awareness about organ donation among their followers, translating this awareness into actual organ donations remains a challenge.
Pallavi Kumar, Executive Director of MOHAN Foundation and President of the Network & Alliance of Transplant Coordinators (NATCO), says: “While there is a need to increase public awareness around organ donation, the Indian public is becoming far more evolved and is asking more intelligent questions. The narrative has shifted from concerns over religious permissions or fears about being born without organs in the next life to more pressing questions about the allocation of organs. People are increasingly asking whether the system is just, fair, and equitable. They want to know how organs will be allocated and what the body will look like once organs are retrieved.
“However, the challenges are not just in the public domain; there is also a lack of infrastructure readiness in hospitals to make donations happen. There is a crucial need to train medical professionals and enhance counseling skills within hospitals to encourage grieving families to consider organ donation.”
The Power of Conversation
One key difference between organ donation in India and the United States lies in the importance of family discussions. In India, even if a person has registered as an organ donor and holds a donor card, the decision ultimately rests with the next of kin. By law, organ and tissue donation cannot proceed without their consent. This makes it imperative for would-be donors to discuss their intentions with their families, helping them understand the sentiment behind their choice and preparing them for the possibility.
For example, if someone has been inspired by the story of a friend who received a life-saving organ transplant, sharing this inspiration with family members can make the conversation more relatable. The idea is to humanize the process, turning abstract concepts into real stories of hope and renewal.
India faces a monumental shortage of organs for transplants. The problem is rooted in a lack of awareness and cultural hesitance. Families of potential donors often struggle with the decision to donate the organs of a loved one who has been declared brain dead.
Living Donations: An Opportunity to Help Now
While most organ donations occur after a person’s death, living donations are also possible. Kidneys are the organs most donated by living donors, but partial liver, pancreas, or lung donations are also an option. This means that people can make a difference while they are still alive, a fact that surprises and inspires many.
Living donations testify that you don’t have to wait for the end of life to leave a legacy. You can start now, ensuring someone else’s life continues because of your generosity. It’s a tangible way of giving back, a profound act of compassion and solidarity.
The Blessings of Giving and Receiving
Organ donation is often a deeply spiritual act, resonating with people from various faiths. Celebrating the National Donor Sabbath just before Thanksgiving reminds us of our blessings and the importance of giving back. It’s a time to reflect on those waiting for our generosity, those whose lives hang in the balance, hoping for the gift of a functioning kidney, heart, or liver.
For many, donating is about finding purpose and extending one’s legacy. It’s about realizing that even in death, there’s a way to breathe life into someone else’s future. And for recipients, receiving an organ is nothing short of a miracle, a second lease on life that transforms their story and gives them a chance to live fully.
What You Can Do
So, what can you do to be part of this life-saving movement?
1. Register as an Organ Donor: In India and the United States, official registries make it easy to declare your intention to donate. By signing up, you take a powerful step toward saving lives.
2. Start the Conversation: Talk to your family about your decision. In India, this conversation can mean the difference between honoring your wishes and having them overlooked.
3. Spread Awareness: Organize community events, invite speakers, or share personal stories about organ donation. If someone in your circle has experienced the impact of donation — whether as a donor, recipient, or family member — ask them to share their journey.
4. Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding who can donate and under what circumstances helps demystify the process. While certain conditions, like active cancer or HIV, can restrict organ donation, there are often exceptions, and medical professionals evaluate each case carefully.
While most organ donations occur after a person’s death, living donations are also possible. Kidneys are the organs most donated by living donors, but partial liver, pancreas, or lung donations are also an option.
A Final Thought: The Ripple Effect of Compassion
The gift of organ and tissue donation can change not just one life but many. It can heal grieving families by giving purpose to loss, transform patients’ futures, and inspire entire communities to embrace the spirit of giving. In today’s interconnected world, where stories of hope can spread in seconds, organ donation is a testament to our shared humanity.
Whether you live in bustling cities in the United States or vibrant villages in India, the decision to become an organ donor has a profound impact. It’s a chance to ensure that life continues even in our absence and stories are rewritten. As the need grows, our response can change the world, one life at a time.
Every life matters. Together, we can make a difference.
Organ Donation in America
To donate organs in the United States, you can:
• Register with your state: Sign up online at your local motor vehicle office or through the Health app on your iPhone. https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up
• Register with the National Donate Life Registry: You can register on the Donate Life America website or at RegisterMe.org. You can register to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
• Register at the DMV: Many DMV offices nationwide offer donor registration.
• You can register in the National Donate Life Registry. In New York, register at https://donatelifenys.org/
• For kidney donation: https://www.kidneyregistry.com/
Organ Donation in India
While there are a number of organ donation organizations in India, some relevant websites are:
• MOHAN Foundation https://www.mohanfoundation.org/
• ORGAN India, New Delhi https://www.organindia.org/
• Zublee Foundation, Guwahati https://www.zubleefoundation.com/
• Donate Life, Surat https://www.donatelife.org.in/
• Shatayu, Ahmedabad https://www.shatayu.org/
• Bengal Organ Donation Society, Kolkata
