Organ donation and ethnicity

For many patients in need of a transplant the best match will come from a donor from the same ethnic background.

Be the difference

If you are Black, Asian or belong to a minority ethnic group, your decision to become an organ donor could increase the chances of someone from the same ethnic background finding a suitable match.

You could even save someone's life.

Watch our short video

Did you know?

Black, Asian and minority ethnic patients often have to wait significantly longer for a successful match than white patients, due to a shortage of suitably matched donors.

If more people with these ethnic backgrounds donated their organs after death, or as a living donor, then transplant waiting times would reduce.

More about how organs are matched

Have questions or concerns?

Get the facts behind common misconceptions around organ donation and funeral arrangements, faith and beliefs, the opt out system, family involvement and more.

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Organ donation and your beliefs

All the major religions and belief systems in the UK are open to the principles of organ donation and transplantation.

Get guidance and advice

Your decision matters

Have you registered your organ donation decision?

See the choices you can make

Talk to your loved ones

Whatever you decide, it's really important that you let them know.

Find out why

If you are Black, Asian or belong to a minority ethnic group, then sharing your decision is also an opportunity to increase awareness about the need for organ donors from your ethnic background.