Does your family know whether you consent to being an organ and tissue donor?

This month the Ontario Bar Association is promoting Make a Power of Attorney Month. It is doing this in conjunction with Trillium Gift of Life Network’s Be a Donor Month.

As it currently stands, Ontario does not presume consent to organ and tissue donation. Instead, those who wish to act as an organ donor are encouraged to register with ServiceOntario online, in person or by mail. In addition, those certain that they would like to donate their organs may choose to express such an intention in their Power of Attorney for Personal Care.

Just as you should consider how you would like your personal health care decisions made for you if you are incapable of making them for yourself, you should also consider whether you would like to be an organ and tissue donor. Whatever you decide, you should discuss your decision with your family as they will be the ones speaking for you when you can no longer speak for yourself.