There are several reasons why people decide to donate an organ. It's also been said that many people decide whether or not to donate before they learn about the donation process. We believe that people should learn as much as possible before making such an important decision for themselves and their loved ones. So, this presentation is designed to give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Liver donation is a two-step process. The first step is having a medical evaluation to make sure you are healthy enough for the surgery and to see if your liver is good match for the person receiving it. If you meet the requirements for donating, the second step is the actual transplant surgery.

Before you decide whether or not to be evaluated as a possible liver donor, your healthcare providers want you to know more about:

* Your rights as an organ donor

* The evaluation process itself

* The risks, potential benefits, and expected results of this surgery -- for you AND the person receiving part of your liver

* The alternatives to donating part of your liver

* The expected recovery process

* And, the other ways a liver transplant may affect you and your loved ones.

If the evaluation shows that you CAN be a liver donor, and you choose to donate, you will watch another presentation that describes the actual surgery in more detail. But for now, let's take a look at what happens during the evaluation process. By understanding the process, you can best decide whether or not you want to continue.