How to Deny Request for Organ Donation

Making the decision to donate your own or a loved one's organs can be difficult, and you may decide that organ donation is not the right decision for you or your family. You may object to organ donation for religious reasons, or you may have concerns about health insurance coverage in the future if you are asked to donate a non-essential organ. According to the Los Angeles Times, a 61-year-old woman who lost her job and health insurance coverage had a difficult time finding insurance that would cover her because her donation of a kidney was considered a pre-existing condition. If you decide to deny the request for organ donation, saying no can be difficult.

Instructions

• 1

  Remember that your decisions about what is best for you or a family member who is deceased or on life support are yours alone. Do not allow others to pressure you into making a decision you do not want to make.

• 2

  Answer politely and firmly once you have made the decision to deny the request for organ donation. Do not feel as if you have to explain your motivations if you do not want to talk about them. A simple, "I do not feel that organ donation is the best choice for my family member" should suffice. If health care workers continue to try and persuade you that it is the best choice, let them know that your decision is not open for debate.

• 3

  Use tact and explain your concerns if you are denying a request for a non-essential organ donation to a family member or friend in need if asked. While a direct, short approach is often best when dealing with health care workers, if someone close to you asks you to donate an organ, it is often more difficult to say no. Gently explain that you do not feel you can donate your organ at this time due to health concerns, religious reasons, concerns about future insurability or whatever you feel. The best way to maintain a good relationship with the person requesting the organ is to be honest and open, so the requester does not feel that you do not care.