Policy & Practice

More Americans Donating Organs

The percentage of Americans agreeing to become organ donors as indicated on driver's license or donor cards is increasing, the Health Resources and Services Administration announced. A Gallup Organization survey commissioned by HRSA, which directs federal efforts to promote organ donation, found that 53% of Americans listed themselves as donors in 2005, almost double the 28% who reported doing so in 1993. Nearly all (97%) of the 2,000 survey respondents said they would donate a family member's organs if they knew the person's wishes ahead of time.