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More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant. Unfortunately, many may never receive the phone call that a suitable donor organ has been found and they have been given a second chance at life. It is estimated that more than 15 people die every day in the United States due to a shortage of donor organs.
Thinking about what will happen to your body after you die, let alone donating your organs or tissues, can be difficult. But becoming an organ donor is a generous and worthwhile decision that can save a life.
If you’ve never thought about organ donation before, or you’ve heard things that make you hesitant to donate your organs, here are answers to some common misconceptions and concerns about organ donation.
Myth: If I agree to donate my organs, hospital staff won't work as hard to save my life.
Fact: When you go to a hospital for treatment, medical professionals are focused on saving your life, not the lives of others. You will receive care from the medical professional with the expertise best suited to your condition and who can provide you with the best possible care.
Myth: I may not be truly dead when I sign my death certificate.
Fact: Despite being a popular tabloid trope, in reality, people don't start wiggling their toes after they've been declared dead. People who consent to organ donation undergo more tests to determine if they're truly dead than those who don't consent to organ donation. These additional tests are done at no cost to their families.
Misconception: Organ donation goes against my religion.
Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most major religions. These religions include Roman Catholicism, Islam, most denominations of Judaism, and most Protestant denominations. If you are unsure or unsure where your religion stands on organ donation, ask your clergy.
Myth: I’m under 18. I’m too young to make this decision.
Fact: Many states allow people under 18 to register as organ donors, but the final decision is up to their parents or legal guardians. Discuss your desire to be an organ donor with your family members and ask for their consent. Remember that children need organ transplants, and they usually need smaller organs than adults can donate.
Myth: An open-casket funeral is not an option for people who donate organs or tissue.
Fact: Organ or tissue donation does not preclude an open casket funeral. The donor's body will be dressed in burial attire, handled with care, and will bear no visible evidence of organ or tissue donation.
Misconception: I am too old to donate my organs. No one would want my organs.
Fact: There is no age limit for organ donation. The decision to donate is based on strict medical criteria, not age. Don't be premature in deciding whether you are ineligible. Let a doctor determine if your organs or tissues are suitable for transplant at the time of your death.
Myth: I'm not in the best health. No one would want my organs or tissues.
Fact: There are very few medical conditions that automatically disqualify you from organ donation. Again, the decision to use your organs is based on strict medical criteria. Certain organs may prove to be unsuitable for transplant, while other organs and tissues may be fine. Don't disqualify yourself prematurely. Only medical professionals at the time of death can determine whether your organs are suitable for transplant.
Myth: I want to donate one of my kidneys right now, but if no one in my family needs a kidney, I won’t be allowed to donate.
Fact: That used to be the case, but not anymore. Far-flung family members, friends, or even strangers who want to help can donate a kidney as a living donor through certain transplant centers.
If you decide to become a living donor, you will be asked extensive questions to ensure you understand the risks and that your decision to become a donor is not based on financial gain. You will also undergo tests to determine if your kidneys are in good condition and if you can live a healthy life with just one kidney.
Myth: When organ donations are needed, the rich and famous are at the top of the list.
Fact: The rich and famous are not given preference when it comes to organ distribution. Despite what one might think, because celebrities receive a lot of publicity when they undergo transplant surgery, they are treated no differently than anyone else. In reality, celebrity status or economic status are not taken into consideration when allocating organs.
Myth: There is a fee for families to donate organs.
Fact: Donor families are not charged for organ donation. Families are charged for the cost of the final effort to save a life, which is sometimes mistakenly thought to be a cost associated with organ donation. Organ retrieval costs are paid by the transplant recipient.
Becoming an organ donor is easy. Here are some ways to show you want to be an organ donor:
- Sign up for your state's donor registry.
Most states have registries; see below for a list. Organ donors. - Please indicate your selection on your driver's license.
Do this when you obtain or renew your license. - Please tell your family.
Tell your family your wishes regarding organ donation.
The best way to ensure your wishes are granted is to register with your state's organ donation registry and have your donor designation listed on your driver's license or state issued identification. These steps will make your organs legally available for donation in the event of your death.
If you have named someone to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so, tell that person that you want to be an organ donor. You can also include your wishes in a living will, if you have one, although this document may not be readily available at the time of your death.
It's also important to tell your family that you want to be an organ donor. Hospitals will ask for next of kin's consent before removing your organs, but consent is not required if you are on the state's organ donor registry or have an organ donor designation on your driver's license or state identification card.
For more information about organ donation, please click here:
Jason Beckerman, MD, is a surgeon in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Anja Grogseth is a donor liaison in Red Wing, Minnesota, and Angie Grimm is a donor liaison in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
