Removing yourself from the registry · A signed refusal
Refusing donation vs removing yourself from the donor registry
Removing yourself from a donor registry does not, on its own, stop a donation. Under the uniform act, family or hospital staff may act in the absence of actual notice of your objection, so a refusal has to reach the person deciding.
The difference that matters
Coming off the registry removes a yes. It does not record a no.
Side by side
What each one is, and when it operates
- Removing yourself from the registry
- Takes away a designation you previously made. It is the absence of a yes. Takes effect when the registry is updated, and is only as visible as the registry is to whoever is deciding.
- A signed refusal
- Refuses donation of your organs, eyes and tissue, and bars anyone else from authorizing it on your behalf. Operates after death. Rests on your state's anatomical gift act, which gives a signed refusal its own section.
Also easy to confuse
Other comparisons
Your state
What your own state requires
A refusal only works if it is on the form your state recognizes. Check your state.