PUBLIC STATEMENT

Media Contact:
Jenny Daigle | jdaigle@aopo.org

AOPO Supports Strengthening Donor Registries

McLean, VA (February 26, 2026) – The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) strongly supports continued efforts to strengthen donor registries and registration practices at both the state and national levels to ensure alignment with ongoing efforts to advance and unify the U.S. organ donation and transplantation system.

Donor registries serve as a cornerstone of the donation process. For millions of Americans, registering as an organ donor represents a deeply personal and legally binding decision to save lives. Under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA), registration constitutes First Person Authorization and must be honored under state and federal law. Donor registries must evolve in parallel with broader system advances toward greater standardization, including clearer federal oversight, more accurate and aligned performance metrics, and improved coordination among Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs), transplant centers, and hospitals.

OPOs are federally designated non-profits whose responsibilities include educating the public about organ donation and encouraging donor registration within their communities. While most registrations occur through state Departments of Motor Vehicles and online platforms, OPOs work closely with these partners to support outreach, training, and public understanding of what donor registration means.

Today, 52 state and territorial registries in the U.S. operate alongside the National Donate Life Registry, reflecting a decentralized structure that has developed over time. Although initiatives are underway to improve data sharing and coordination across regions, opportunities remain to standardize registry practices and the availability of donor information nationwide. Comprehensive research by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has highlighted the importance of improved integration and data visibility to better understand registration trends, address inequities, and enhance system performance. 

AOPO recognizes and appreciates the longstanding leadership of Donate Life America and its state partners in managing and promoting donor registries nationwide. As the system evolves, continued collaboration among OPOs, Donate Life America, federal partners, and state leaders will be essential to ensure a more unified and efficient registry system aligned with broader modernization efforts. Strengthening donor registries and registration practices will help ensure every individual’s decision is clearly understood, respected, and honored, and that more lives are ultimately saved.