By: R. Neal Garrison MD; Frederick R. Bentley MD; George H. Raque MD; Hiram C. Polk Jr. MD; Linda C. Sladek MSN; Michael J. Evanisko MA; Bruce A. Lucas MD This 1991 study examined the success rates of organ donation requests. The study found that organ donation occurred 22% of the time and that family refusal was the largest reason organs were not donated. In nearly one-fifth of cases, doctors failed to recognize the potential for donation and the family was not approached. The study’s most significant finding was that families who were approached twice, first to discuss the death of their loved one and then later by request for organ donation, had the highest rate of donation. It is thought that separating the discussions allows the family to accept the death.
Halachic Organ donor Society, 3926 W. Touhy Ave, Suite #365, Lincolnwood, IL, 60712-1028. Phone: 646-599-3895, Email: office@hods.org