Talk to your family about donation

After you’ve registered to be an organ and tissue donor, it’s important to tell your family you want to be a donor.  

When you die, organ and tissue donation will only go ahead with the support of your family and medical teams will never proceed with donation if your family object. 

Each year, opportunities for transplants are missed because families aren't sure what to do. 

How to talk about donation

In Australia, your family will always be asked to consent to donation on your behalf. This means your family can overturn your decision if they aren’t sure what you want.  

Follow these simple steps to get a conversation about organ and tissue donation started with your family. 

1. Get the facts 
   Read up about organ and tissue donation on our website before you start. 

2. Find a talking point 
   Try talking about something you’ve seen in the news or on social media, if it helps. 

3. Relax 
   Have your chat over a cup of coffee, or when spending time together. 

4. Speak from the heart 
   Be as honest and open as you can be and listen to each other. You don’t have to agree! 

5. Talk about your beliefs 
   Whatever your beliefs, make them a part of the conversation. Get advice from our website or speak to a member of your community. 

6. Grab the moment 
   Don’t put it off. If it seems like the right time, go for it, and get the whole family involved.