When a death occurs, doctors rely on the wishes expressed by the deceased’s family, whether or not the person wanted to be a donor. Even if the deceased had a signed card, expressing his or her wish to be a donor, the decision is still left up to the family

According to a Gallup poll, 96 percent of those interviewed said they would be likely to donate their organs after death, though 48 percent had never discussed these wishes with their families. Family discussion is an essential part of organ donation.