Georgia § 44-5-145 - (See Editor's notes.) Refusal to make an anatomical gift.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 44-5-145 — (See Editor's notes.) Refusal to make an anatomical gift., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-5-145. (See Editor's notes.) Refusal to make an anatomical gift.
An individual may refuse to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part by: A record signed by: The individual; or Subject to subsection (b) of this Code section, another individual acting at the direction of the individual if the individual is physically unable to sign; The individual's will, whether or not the will is admitted to probate or invalidated after the individual's death; or Any form of communication made by the individual during the individual's terminal illness or injury addressed to at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness. A record signed pursuant to subparagraph (a)(1)(B) of this Code section shall: Be witnessed by at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the individual; and State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection. An individual who has made a refusal may amend or revoke the refusal: In the manner provided in subsection (a) of this Code section for making a refusal; By subsequently making an anatomical gift pursuant to Code Section 44-5-143 that is inconsistent with the refusal; or By destroying or canceling the record evidencing the refusal, or the portion of the record used to make the refusal, with the intent to revoke the refusal. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (h) of Code Section 44-5-146 , in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the individual set forth in the refusal, an individual's unrevoked refusal to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part bars all other persons from making an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part. (Code 1981, § 44-5-145 , enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 503, § 1/SB 405.) For application of this statute in 2020, see Executive Order 04.09.20.01. A listing of Executive Orders issued in 2020 can be found at https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/executive-orders/2 020-executive-orders.
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 44-5-145
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 44-5-145 cover?
Section 44-5-145 ("(See Editor's notes.) Refusal to make an anatomical gift.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 44-5-145?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 44-5-145" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 44-5-145 apply to my situation?
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Sources & Verification
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