Aussie mum’s world-first organ donation | ABC NEWS
Australian Karen Duncan is believed to have become the first person in the world to donate organs after taking oral voluntary assisted dying medication herself. Until now, all reported instances of donation after VAD have occurred after the substance was given intravenously by a physician.
Karen was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in August 2024. Speaking with the ABC before her death in late 2025, she said it was robbing her of life. After her death, she successfully donated her lungs, kidneys and heart valve, along with eye tissue for medical research.
Medical and ethical experts say it is crucial that any decision to undergo VAD is separate from the decision to donate organs.
By ABC Specialist Reporting Team.
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