Considering Organ Donation

For mothers and families who feel it is appropriate for their situation, organ donation can be an incredibly rewarding option following stillbirth. It can provide families the comfort of knowing their child’s life meant something and will having a lasting impact on others’ lives. Currently, over 2,000 children under the age of 18 are on the national transplant waiting list. While neonatal donation -- defined as the donation from a child that is less than 28 days old -- to another child is fairly rare, it is invaluable to the recipient and their family. More than that, certain neonatal donations, such as kidneys, can be given to children and even adults.

When donations are non-transplantable, families still have meaningful options. In recent years, the medical research community has looked to neonatal and children’s organs to provide valuable insight into understanding and treating diseases. Centers such as the IIAM have been leaders in this new wave of research, creating a neonatal donation program.  

Deciding to donate your child’s organs is a very personal decision and is not considered lightly. When donation is pursued, families should be prepared for the strict time constraints on when organ donation surgery can be performed following delivery of a stillborn child. If you and your family decide this is the correct path for you, speak with your doctor as soon as possible to understand your options. While nothing will take away the pain of your loss, organ donation can provide you with a solace knowing that your child’s life will have a lasting, lifelong impact on others.