PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
There are several ways for your organs and tissue to be donated after death. It is important to make your wishes clear so that your family knows what you want when you die.
While still alive, you can consent to have your body or parts of your body donated for medical or scientific use. You can also decide to withdraw your consent at any time. For your consent to be valid, at the time of consent you must have been:
Your consent must either be:
You can also consent only to using certain parts of the body or for specific uses. For example, you may limit your consent to medical research. Similarly, you may consent to donate every organ except the brain.
If you die without giving a valid consent, your closest relative can make the decision instead. They cannot do this if they have reason to believe that you would not have consented. The closest relative is the first person in the following list who has capacity and is available:
If there is more than one relative in the same category, the decision of the eldest is preferred. The decision of a whole blood relative is also preferred over a half blood relative.
It is very important to discuss your wishes with your family even if you have provided a valid consent. In Saskatchewan, your organs or tissue will not be donated after you die if your closest relative disagrees.
In the past, individuals may have filled out an organ donor consent card provided by Health Services. Saskatchewan has now moved to an online Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. Anyone 16 years or older with a valid health services card number can register their intent to be a donor. You can register online or by submitting a paper form to eHealth Saskatchewan. A Frequently Asked Questions document is also available.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority Donation Program coordinates donations. They use an integrative approach to organ and tissue donation and end-of-life care. The program works closely with the Saskatchewan Transplant Program.
Saskatchewan Transplant Program coordinators are available in Regina and Saskatoon. They can provide more information about organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Individuals who wish to donate their entire body for medical research and education must contact the Body Bequeathal Program. This program is administered by the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.
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