Donating Organs Can Provide Comfort

Andrew, 13, and his sister Erin, 16, died on their way to school in a car accident. Their parents donated their organs and tissues and find comfort in the fact that their children saved the lives of others.

James Rodrigue, a psychologist in Boston, says that parents agree to donate their child’s organs 2/3 of the time compared to family members agreeing to it about half the time when the deceased is an adult. He says parents have a great sense of urgency to find some meaning in this premature death, and they are accustomed to making decisions for their children. Further, parents want to help other parents avoid going through the experience of losing a child, so they’re more inclined to donate organs.

See Rita Rubin, Transplants Offer Solace in Time of Heartache, USA Today, Jan. 23, 2011.