Organ Guide – Understanding Organ Donation

A complete awareness resource by Before Death Foundation (BDF)

What Is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is the voluntary act of giving one or more organs either after death or during life to save another human being. A single donor can save 8 lives and improve 50+ lives through tissue donation.

Organs That Can Be Donated

  • 🫀 Heart
  • 🩺 Liver
  • 🩸 Kidneys
  • 🌬️ Lungs
  • 🩹 Pancreas
  • 🧬 Intestines

Tissues That Can Be Donated

  • 👁️ Eyes (Cornea)
  • 🩹 Skin
  • 🦴 Bone
  • ❤️ Heart Valves
  • 🪢 Tendons

Types of Organ Donation

  • Living Donation: Kidney, part of liver
  • Deceased Donation: After brain death
  • Tissue Donation: After natural death

Myths & Facts

  • Myth: Doctors won’t save me if I'm a donor.
    Fact: Doctors focus only on saving life.

  • Myth: Body is disfigured.
    Fact: Donation is done with dignity.

  • Myth: Religion doesn’t support it.
    Fact: All religions encourage saving lives.

  • Myth: Rich people get priority.
    Fact: Law regulates allocation.

Legal Status in India

Organ donation is legal under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994.

What Is Brain Death?

Brain death is the irreversible loss of all brain functions.

Who Can Become an Organ Donor?

Almost anyone above 18 can pledge. Medical issues do not stop you.

How to Become an Organ Donor?

  1. Decide to donate
  2. Register online
  3. Inform your family
  4. Carry a donor card

Role of Before Death Foundation (BDF)

BDF spreads awareness, trains volunteers, educates families, and supports organ donation.

Emotional Impact

Organ donation turns loss into hope. A donor lives on through lives saved.