There are many medical decisions that are deeply personal matters. Some people have religious or moral beliefs that prevent them from taking certain medications or even receiving blood transfusions, for example. Others want their personal misfortune to benefit others, if possible.
Organ donation and anatomical or whole-body donation are deeply personal matters. Some people want to do as much good as possible after they die. Others have religious beliefs that might make such donations morally unacceptable. Family members often have to make difficult decisions in the final hours of a person’s life, especially if they die due to a car accident or a sudden medical event, like a stroke.
In scenarios where a person has died or is on the cusp of dying but could still make organ and tissue donations, families may struggle to make timely decisions. Providing guidance in advance can benefit individuals and their families.
Stress affects memory
People who have discussed their wishes with their spouses or children might assume that they don’t need legal paperwork to ensure a donation occurs or to prevent an unwanted donation. However, stress, loss of sleep and intense emotions can impact memory and decision-making abilities.
Especially in scenarios where people want to leave their bodies for scientific research via a whole body donation, legal paperwork explaining that desire is often necessary to take pressure off of family members and ensure compliance with those wishes. Otherwise, the grief of family members may subvert the intentions of the person who passed.
An up-to-date estate plan often needs to include an advance medical directive outlining medical preferences, including personal wishes regarding organ and anatomical donation. Planning in advance can take pressure off loved ones during a difficult time and help to ensure that families, as well as care providers, follow the wishes of a testator.
