Myths
"If I'm admitted into the hospital and the doctors know I want to be a donor,
they won't try and save my life."
There is no conflict between saving lives and using organs for transplantation.
Medical professionals will do everything they can to save your life. The doctors
who work to save your life are not the same doctors involved with organ
donation. It is only after every attempt has been made to save your life that
donation will be considered.
"I carry a donor card and it is in my will that I want to be a donor, so I don't
have to tell my family about my wishes."
Designating your wishes on your driver's license or signing a donor card ensures
that you'll be considered as a donor. By the time your will is read, it will be
too late to recover your organs. Telling your family now that you want to be an
organ and tissue donor is the best way to ensure that your wishes are carried
out.
"I have heard about people who steal kidneys and sell them on the black
market."
There is no evidence of such activity ever occurring in the United States or any
other industrialized country. While this tale may sound credible, it has no
basis in the reality of organ transplantation. According to the Uniform
Anatomical Gift Act of 1984, it is illegal to buy or sell human organs.
Violators are subject to fines and imprisonment. In addition, a national
governing body reviews every organ donation and transplant. Strict regulations
prevent any type of "black market" existence in the United States.
"Rich and famous people are moved to the top of the waiting list and regular
people have to wait even longer."
The organ allocation and distribution system is blind to wealth or social
status. The length of time it takes to receive a transplant is influenced by a
variety of factors including location, severity of illness, physical
characteristics (blood type, weight, genetic typing, and size) and length of
time on the waiting list. Factors such as race, gender, age, income or celebrity
status are never considered when determining who receives an organ.
"Donation will be costly to my family."
There is no cost to the donor's family for organ and tissue donation. Hospital
expenses incurred before the donation of organs in attempts to save the donor's
life and funeral expenses remain the responsibility of the donor's family. All
costs related to donation are paid for by the organ procurement agency.
"My religion doesn't allow organ and tissue donation."
Most religions throughout the world support organ and tissue donation as a
humanitarian act of giving. Transplantation is consistent with the life
preserving traditions of these faiths. You are encouraged to discuss donation
with your religious or spiritual leader.
"I can't be a donor because I want an open casket funeral."
The body is treated with a great deal of respect and dignity. The recovery of
organs and tissues is conducted under standard, sterile conditions in an
operating room by qualified surgeons. The process neither disfigures the body,
nor changes
the way it looks in a casket. No one, except the family members involved in the
decision, will know about the donation.
"No one will want my organs because of my medical history. Besides I'm too
old to be a donor."
At the time of death, the appropriate medical professionals will review your
medical and social history to determine if you are a candidate for donation.
Anyone, regardless of age, can be considered for organ donation. With recent
advances in transplantation, more people than ever before can donate.
"They might take my organs before I am really dead."
Organ donation is only accepted following the declaration of death by a doctor
not involved in transplantation. In order to donate organs, a patient must be
declared brain dead. Brain death is the determination of legal death. It is the
complete and irreversible loss of all brain function, including the brain stem.
Using specific medical criteria, a physician can confirm brain death beyond any
doubt. remain the responsibility of the relatives or persons in charge of the
estate.