Talk to Your Family

If you support organ and tissue donation, it's important to talk to your family about your decision to donate.

Why do I need to share my decision with my family?

In Saskatchewan, organs and tissue will not be donated without your family or next-of-kin's consent. Ensuring that your loved ones know you support organ and tissue donation will help them make this important decision on your behalf after you have died.

When is the right time to start a conversation?

The right time is now, when you are able to have the conversation. A discussion about organ and tissue donation can be incorporated into everyday conversations. For example, when you are:

Cooking together or sharing a meal
Getting life insurance or writing a will
Leaving home for school or a trip
Waiting for a movie to start
Driving to a friend's house
Taking a walk in the park

Isn't talking about death too sad for everyday conversations?

Organ and tissue donation isn't just about death, it's about life and the opportunity we have to save or improve other people's lives. Sometimes this opportunity presents itself while we are still living through the donation of a non-vital organ (e.g., kidney). Other times we are given the opportunity to offer hope even after our own life has ended through deceased donation.

How do I start the conversation?

Starting the conversation may seem difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Today I was surprised to learn how rare it is for someone to become an organ donor. If I could donate my organs and tissue after I die, I'd want to do it. What about you?
I heard about Logan Boulet, the Humboldt Broncos player who donated his organs when he died. Because he told his parents he wanted to be an organ donor, they were able to make the decision to donate, which saved 6 lives.
I know you have the organ and tissue donor sticker on your health card, but I don't know what you'd want to donate. Can you look at this list and let me know?
Have you heard about the organ donor registry in Saskatchewan? Do you intend on registering?

The decision to support organ and tissue donation is a personal one. Sharing this decision with your family makes it possible for your loved ones to honour your wishes after you have died.