The shortage of donated organs and tissues for transplantation is one of the Nation’s most pressing public health issues. Despite advances in medical research and technology that facilitated nearly 23,000 organ transplants, 46,000 corneal transplants, and 173 bone marrow transplants in 2002, the gap between the supply and demand for donor organs and tissues continues to widen. The national waiting list for organs has grown to 81,000 people - with thousands more in need of tissue or corneal transplants. Every day, on average, 68 individuals receive a life-saving organ transplant while 17 individuals die waiting.

 

The Coroner reserves the right to approve or disapprove the removal of any organ or tissue in cases under the Office’s investigation.  Under the Coroner’s legal authority, it may be decided that organ or tissue procurement would interfere with the Office’s ability to accurately determine the Cause and Manner of death of an individual’s death under investigation, or the Office’s ability to accurately document the condition of an individual’s body (for evidentiary purposes).