At Donate Life California, we are committed to serving the people of California by providing clear, accurate information about organ, eye, and tissue donation. It is our responsibility to ensure that every individual has the facts they need to make informed decisions about registering as a donor. We understand that donation is a deeply personal choice, and we are here to support that decision with transparency, compassion, and trust.
Following the recent articles published by The New York Times and other media reports, we’ve seen a significant rise in public inquiries, concerns, and actions taken by individuals regarding their donor status. In the days since the article’s release, more than 2,500 people across California have removed themselves from the donor registry. This shift is a powerful reflection of how public understanding—and misunderstanding—can shape life-and-death decisions. The stories as reported do not reflect the work we do each day to honor donors and save lives, and they omit key details that are essential to understanding how the donation process truly works.
Each person who removes themselves from the registry represents a potential missed opportunity to save or heal the lives of those waiting. Today, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. In California alone, close to 20,000 are hoping for a second chance at life—and when fewer people are registered, the reality is that more people will die waiting.
Donation after circulatory death (DCD), highlighted in the article, is a carefully governed medical practice that allows more families to carry out their loved one’s wishes and save more lives. Like all forms of donation, it is based on a foundation of authorization, ethical standards, and clinical rigor. If you have specific questions about this process please reach out to your local OPO: https://donatelifecalifornia.
We are committed to continuing open conversations with our communities and ensuring that everyone has access to accurate, compassionate, and trustworthy information. We firmly support transparency and accountability, including in response to recent media coverage, and we stand ready to address any questions or concerns about our protocols, safeguards, and the facts surrounding organ, eye, and tissue donation in California.
We encourage anyone with questions or concerns about donation to visit www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org
Organ donation is one of the most meaningful gifts a person can offer. As we navigate these conversations, we hold close the hope that education, empathy, and truth will guide us forward—together.
With gratitude,
Jim Martin
Chief Executive Officer
Donate Life California
