What are the origins of organ donation?

2014—Vascularized composite allographs (VCAs) is added to the definition of organs covered by federal regulation (the OPTN Final Rule) and legislation (the National Organ Transplant Act). The designation went into effect on July 3, 2014. read more

2004—Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act (PL 108-216): expanded authorities of the National Organ Transplant Act to, among other things, provide reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses for living organ donors, and grants to states and public entities. read more

Researchers experimented with organ transplantation on animals and humans in the 18th century. There were many failures over the years, but by the mid-20th century, scientists were performing successful organ transplants. Transplants of kidneys, livers, hearts, pancreata, intestine, lungs, and heart-lungs are now considered routine medical treatment. read more

Organ donation has a long history, with the earliest recorded skin transplants dating back to the second century. Skin and bone graft surgeries also became prevalent throughout the 16th and 17th centuries with varying degrees of success. read more