Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has voiced her support for a bill she cosponsored that has passed the New York State Assembly that would allow 16 and 17 year olds to register to donate their organs.

State law currently requires a prospective donor to be 18 or older to register their consent to donate their organs, eyes and tissue in the New York State Donate Life Registry.

Russell represents the 116th Assembly District, which includes all the St. Lawrence County towns along the St. Lawrence River, plus Ogdensburg, Canton and Potsdam, .

The bill does, however, maintain the right of a potential donor's parents or legal guardian to make the decision regarding donation at the time of death if it occurs before the potential donor turns 18.

Assemblywoman Russell noted New York State is currently one of just five states in the country that prohibits 16 and 17 year olds from enrolling in organ and tissue donation programs.

She said most people sign up to be organ donors when they are getting or renewing their licenses. But Assemblywoman Russell said the current law excludes 16 and 17 year olds from having that option when they go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get their Junior Licenses.

She pointed out the DMV automatic renewal process does not provide an opportunity to ask those drivers to complete the organ and tissue donation section on their license applications until they are in their late 20s.

"Allowing younger teens to register for the organ and tissue registry could have a number of benefits. It will provide parents and guardians with guidance of their child's wishes if they suffer a tragedy in their family. It would also be a sobering decision for young drivers getting their licenses that is a reminder of the dangers that accompany that privilege," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The need for organs for transplant is far greater than the supply in New York State. The state's Donate Life Registry is currently ranked 51st out of the 52 existing registries in the country.

There are currently more than 10,000 New Yorkers are on the national transplant waiting list. One person dies every 15 hours in New York State because an organ did not become available to save their life.

One single organ donor can save the lives of 8 people, and a tissue donor can improve 50 lives by restoring eyesight, treating burn patients and preventing the loss of mobility and disability.