Coffee Simplies Organ Donation

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said he is encouraged by the signing of Senate Bill 622 that will make the process of organ donation more efficient and more accessible.

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, Senate Bill 622, mirrors similar laws in various states that help families throughout the nation receive vital organs for their loved ones. Families are often put through unnecessary waiting periods and paperwork from state to state in order to obtain an organ donation for a family member.

Oklahoma has a unique honor in being one of the top states in the nation in donor registration with over 1.63 million adult Oklahomans registered to be organ, eye and tissue donors. Very few states have a higher percentage of licensed drivers registered to be donors.

“Numerous lives are saved each year through the gift of organ donation,” said Coffee. “Yet roadblocks between states can prevent this life-saving transplant from happening. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act is a practical approach to creating uniformity across state lines and making organ donation more accessible.

“I thank the Governor for identifying this bill as a critical, life-saving measure for Oklahoma organ donor recipients. Having made the choice myself to be a registered organ donor, I also encourage Oklahomans across the state to help save a life and become a registered donor themselves,” said Coffee.