Driver’s License and Organ Donation Elections Data

Driving a vehicle is governed by state laws and is considered a privilege, not a right. Therefore, any mandates associated with the ability to legally drive, requires one to obtain a driver’s license which is an individual choice, not a burden on society as a whole. Precedence has already been set for linking health and safety issues with the privilege of maintaining a driver’s license such as; general cognition of common sense, demonstration of safe driving techniques, understanding of the laws that govern the roads used for driving, etc. Since driving can result in death which could provide life-saving organ if donated to others in need, it is advocated that an organ donation choice be mandated when obtaining a driver’s license. Furthermore, it is advocated that this donation election information, affirmative or not, be linked to the driver’s personal health record so that the organ donation information is readily available to emergency medical response teams, family members and hospital personnel leaving no doubts about the wishes of the deceased. Having organ donation information easily accessible has significant normative benefits, potential overall cost savings and improved quality of life assistance for others and allowing the deceased to make one last important act of generosity if it is their choice to do so. Making an election about organ donation mandatory and documented in order to obtain a driver’s license should be fully considered for widespread implementation. It should remain illegal to discriminate against any persons for having an election of no organ donation documented on their driver’s license or elsewhere in their health record.

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