Children Too Can Be Organ Donors: A Truth That Can Save Many Lives - Dr Soonu Udani

In most discussions on organ donation, the focus is on adults as donors. Most don’t realise that children, too, can be organ donors, and in doing so, save multiple lives. Lack of awareness about this results in many life-saving opportunities being lost, even as thousands of children and adults continue to wait for organ transplants across the country.

On National Organ Donor Day, it is time to address this uncomfortable but crucial truth: paediatric organ donation is possible, ethical, and often life-saving.

Why paediatric organ donation matters

Organ failure can happen to anyone and more essentially, at any age. Infants, newborns, and young children do suffer from serious complications, like congenital heart defects, liver failure, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders that can only be treated through organ transplantation. For many of these children, a suitable organ from another child can mean the difference between life and death.

However, the concept of paediatric organ donations remains significantly rare in India, and this is not because children cannot donate; it is largely because most families in our country are unaware of this.

When can a child become an organ donor?

Children can become organ donors in cases of brain death, just like adults. This may occur after serious accidents or a hemorrhage to the brain from any other cause.

Brain death is a medically and legally recognised form of death, where all brain function has permanently stopped, even though machines may temporarily maintain heartbeat and breathing. The organs are supported so as to be suitable for donation.

The team takes utmost care to be sure, beyond any doubt, that the child has absolutely no chance of even partial recovery by performing several tests and examinations by experts in the field. The doctors who carry out these tests have no conflict of interest with any potential recipients of any organ.

In such cases, with an informed and voluntary consent from the parents or legal guardians, the child’s organs can be donated to save multiple lives. Depending on the age and medical condition, organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and even tissues can be donated. Adults too can benefit from a child’s organs.

Addressing the emotional hesitation

For parents, the thought of organ donation at the time of their child’s death is unimaginably difficult. The decision is never easy — and it should never be rushed or pressured. However, many families who choose donation, later describe it as a way to find meaning amid tragedy, knowing that their child’s life helped others live.

What often holds families back is not refusal, but lack of information at the right time. When conversations around paediatric organ donation are delayed or avoided entirely, families lose the opportunity to make an informed choice.

Myths that need to be dispelled

There are several misconceptions surrounding paediatric organ donation:

● That children’s organs cannot be used effectively

● That donation disfigures the body

● That medical care is compromised if donation is discussed

None of these are true. Organ donation is carried out with dignity, respect, and strict medical and ethical safeguards. The child receives full medical care at all times, and donation does not delay funeral arrangements.

Why awareness must start early

Organ donation should not be discussed only in moments of crisis. Awareness must begin earlier — within families, schools, and communities — so that parents understand the possibility long before they are ever faced with such a decision.

Hospitals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers also have a role to play in ensuring that conversations about paediatric organ donation are handled sensitively, transparently, and at the appropriate time.

A gift that outlives grief

One child donor can save multiple lives — children and adults alike. In a country where the organ donation rate remains critically low, recognising that children too can be donors opens the door to hope and new life for many families waiting desperately for transplants. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Health Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Health Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.