Organ transplants provide new life each year for more than 20,000 men, women and children. But thousands more die because an organ isn't available. The irony is that transplant doctors know how to save those lives. There simply aren't enough donors.

While surveys repeatedly show that a large majority of Americans support the idea of donating their organs in the event of their death, many families -- when actually faced with the decision as to whether to donate the organs of a loved-one -- decline.

As transplant waiting lists have grown to more than 80,000 patients in need of kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas and intestinal transplants, an increasing number of patients have begun looking to living donors.

The decision to be a living organ donor -- to give one of your kidneys, or part of your liver, to another person in need -- clearly is an even more altruistic act than the decision to donate organs in the event of your death.

If you decide to proceed, your decision may well give another person a second chance.

But if you decide that being a living organ donor is not for you, that is your right -- and the right decision for you.

The decision about whether to offer to be a living organ donor deserves a great deal of thought, and should be made after you have informed yourself as fully as possible about the risks, about current and future health issues that might affect you and your family, and about the financial implications of a decision to be a donor.

You should absolutely not allow yourself to be pressured. If you do feel that you are being pushed by family or friends to make a decision that has you uneasy, or are worried about their reaction to your decision, share your feelings with a counselor or social worker. They can help.

Hopefully, the information in this Guide to Living Donation will assist you in thinking through this decision. Other information about organ donation and transplantation that may be useful can be found by following the links on our "Where Can I Get More Info" page.

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All information provided in this site is offered for educational purposes only, and it is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your own physician or healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.