Governor Cuomo Signs Bill Allowing 16 and 17 year-olds to be Organ Donors

From the office of Senator George Latimer:

ALBANY, NY - Senator Latimer today is applauding Governor Cuomo's signing of Senate Bill S.5313-A, legislation that will allow 16 and 17 year old young people to place their names on the organ donor registry. Similar legislation was first introduced by Senator Latimer when he served in the Assembly (A.8860 of 2011), when the issue was brought to his attention by a constituent,Charlie Rosenberg of Port Chester. Mr. Rosenberg was a transplant recipient, and tireless advocate for greater organ donation efforts; he passed away in 2014. The legislation will allow individuals 16 and older to enroll in the New York State "Donate Life" Registry. Previously, participants had to be at least 18 years of age. The law does require the consent of a parent or legal guardian for the organ donation to actually occur at the time of death.

"Giving life or health to another person is one of the hardest, yet most important decisions a family can make. Our communities are full of loving, giving young people, and this new law will provide an opportunity for them to lovingly turn their own tragedy into a better life for someone else," Senator Latimer said.

Up to this point, New York had been only one of five states that did not allow 16 and 17 year old to choose organ donation.

Latimer pointed out that because organ donation registration operates through the state Department of Motor Vehicles and an individual's Drivers’ License, the failure to allow 16 and 17 year-olds to sign up means that for them as potential donors, their next opportunity will be at license renewal 8 years later -- when they are in their mid-twenties. "That is too many lost opportunities for people to help others. I commend my colleagues and the Governor for having the foresight and the caring to make this law a reality," Latimer added.

It is estimated that each year, New Yorkers receive approximately 1000 organ transplants, although at any given time, nearly 10,000 people are on the organ recipient list. Ranking far below the national average, less than 20% of New Yorkers have signed up on the Donate Life Registry.

People can enroll in the New York State Donate Life registry by clicking here and completing the registration.

Image via Shutterstock.