Young people in PEI can express their wishes for organ and tissue donation 

A change in policy permits parents or legal guardians to register their child’s wishes to be an organ and tissue donor on the intent to donate registry.

Previously, the registry applied only to Island residents aged 16 and older who wished to register their intent to donate organs and/or tissue after death. The policy change allows parents or legal guardians to register on behalf of children under 16 years of age. Parents and legal guardians will continue to be approached for consent to organ and tissue donation if the situation arises. 

“Having these discussions with your loves ones ensures that your wishes are honoured in the event of a medical emergency.This change in policy now allows parents and legal guardians to have these conversations with their child before they turn 16 and register on their behalf.  Once a child turns 16, they are encouraged to register their intent themselves.”

- Minister of Health and Wellness, Mark McLane

Woodrow Bishop is one Islander who has been advocating for PEI to change this consent rule for children under 16.

“As a parent of a child that is currently awaiting a heart transplant, this is very positive news, and our family would like to thank the Department of Health and Wellness for making these changes,” said Woodrow Bishop. “It is great that families can now have those discussions as a family ahead of time, so that everyone understands the importance of organ and tissue donation. There is no better legacy to leave behind than knowing you helped saved other lives.”

PEI has a combined registry, meaning that people can register their wish to either “opt in” or “opt out” of organ and tissue donation. Families will always be asked to provide consent if donation is possible. Approximately 63.6 per cent of Islanders on the registry have indicated they wish to “opt in” to donation.  

Islanders can register their intent to donate anytime at makeitzero.ca or when renewing or applying for a PEI Health Card.  

Media contact:

Maureen Coulter

Department of Health and Wellness

maureencoulter@gov.pe.ca