Can I donate my blood and organs?
Generally, you can′t give blood until you′re eighteen. Once you′re an adult, the decision is yours. A few states allow younger teens to donate blood, with written consent from their parents and/or a doctor.
You might also have to satisfy certain health and minimum weight requirements before you′re allowed to donate. For example, the American Red Cross requires you to be seventeen (in states where the limit is seventeen) and weigh 110 pounds. If you′re HIV-positive, they won′t accept your donation. It′s always best to check with your family doctor if you have any concerns. Discuss your thoughts and plans with your parents, too.
Photo by Michael_Lehet
Although some blood banks pay donors each time they come in, teens are generally not eligible. If you′re emancipated and your state law permits payment to minors, you can keep the payment. If you′re not emancipated, your parents have a say about any money you earn or receive.
You also may donate your organs when you die. If you′re eighteen, you may advise the National Kidney Foundation, for example, that you wish to be a kidney donor. When you apply for your driver′s license, there′s a question regarding organ donation, and your donor status is marked on your license.
FYI
American Red Cross
1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543)
www.redcross.org
Information about being a blood donor. Or contact your local blood bank or plasma center. Many blood centers also have information about organ and tissue donations.
This post was written by Tom Jacobs. Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including the recently published 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing). When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom can be found hiking, traveling and reading.
