Organ Donation Terms We Don’t Use and Why

Words are powerful. How certain words or terms are used can have a significant impact, especially when it comes to organ, eye and tissue donation. Language shapes how we view organ, eye and tissue donation. It helps correct myths and honors those who give the gift of life.

The list below provides guidelines around which organ donation terms to avoid and the most appropriate terminology to use instead. Avoiding certain terms and phrases can both reduce concern among donor families and help to increase public understanding and acceptance of the donation process.

Use the terms Recover or Procure instead of Harvest, and Donated Organs and Tissues instead of Body Parts

Some organ donation terms are used in medicine but can feel disrespectful to donor families. Words like “harvest” can sound cold or dehumanizing. Instead, use “recover,” “procure,” or “donated organs and tissues.” These terms show that donation is handled with care and respect for every donor and family.

Deceased Donor or Deceased Donation instead of Cadaver or Cadaveric Donation

Similar to the terms above, while “cadaver” has long been accepted medically, it is important to use terminology that is considerate of donor families and conveys to the public the respect and care that donors are treated with throughout the entire process. Additionally, while there didn’t used to be a need to make a distinction between living and deceased donation, more and more people are making the life-saving decision to become a living donor. Using the terms “deceased donor” and “deceased donation” help to make a clear distinction between living and deceased donors.

Ventilator Support or Mechanical Support instead of Life Support

Death can happen in two ways: cardiac death, when the heart stops beating, and brain death, the irreversible loss of all brain function. The term “life support” can be confusing, especially in cases of brain death. Brain death is final, it’s not a coma or vegetative state. No form of support can reverse it. When brain death is declared, organ, eye and tissue donation may still be possible. In these cases, “mechanical support” keeps blood and oxygen flowing to preserve organs and tissues for donation.

Donation is a Decision not a Wish

Signing up as an organ, eye and tissue donor is a first-person authorized decision. It means you’ve chosen to donate at the time of your death. Using the word “wish” instead of “decision” can make it sound like your choice isn’t final. But your decision to be a donor cannot be changed by your family. That’s why it’s so important to share your decision and talk with your loved ones about helping others through donation.

Learn more and sign up to become a donor anytime online at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.