Recently, an Illinois bill was introduced to allow 16- and 17-year-olds register as organ donors when they register to drive. The legislation gives the option for teens to donate their organs and tissues when they also register for a state identification card.. Those under 18 can also do so but only after their parents or guardians have been contacted and given their consent.
Secretary of State Jesse White is backing the legislation. The legislation was introduced by state Sen. Mattie Hunter of Chicago and state Rep. Deb Conroy of Villa Park who are both Democrats. State Rep. Deb Conroy's husband is one of the 4,700 people in Illinois waiting to receive an organ donation.
The measure would let 16- and 17-year-olds become part of the organ and tissue registry when they register for a driver's license or for a state identification card. This new Illinois bill amends the Illinois Anatomical Gift Act, which requires donors to be at least age 18, The Rock River Times reports.
Secretary of State Jesse White's office stated that 47 states now have similar legislation. Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin have all signed up to be part of the bill. White's office explained that each year, around 300 people in Illinois die while waiting for an organ donor.
"Our goal is to save lives. Thousands of Illinoisans are on the waiting list for organs and we want to make sure that we do all we can to give them an opportunity to get a second chance," White said during news conference on Thursday, the Chicago Tribune reports
Conroy also added that organ donation is an interesting thing in that you have no idea about its importance until it affects your life. She explained that it definitely has affected her life and her four sons as her husband waits for someone to donate the organ he badly needs. She also added that the waiting part is a very difficult road for families, and that the new Illinois bill can save more lives.
