Commemorated by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Harrison's legacy is profound in the realm of maternal and infant healthcare. His donations helped combat haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN), a condition that poses a significant risk to unborn babies. Before the development of Anti-D immunizations in the 1960s, the mortality rate for affected infants was alarmingly high. Harrison's impact extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring ongoing research to replicate his life-saving antibodies in laboratory settings. His passing leaves a poignant reminder of the vital role blood donors play in saving lives.

As the Red Cross highlights, fewer than 200 donors currently provide the necessary Anti-D in Australia, supporting approximately 45,000 mothers and babies annually. The legacy of James Harrison serves as both a tribute to individual altruism and a call to action for blood donation amidst increasing medical challenges.