More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ transplant.
Sadly, many may never get the call saying that a donor organ has been found.
Many may not get that second chance at life.
It can be hard to think about dying.
It can be even harder to think about donating organs and tissue.
But organ donors save lives.
Here are answers to some common organ donation myths and concerns.
You get the best care you’re able to get.
Myth: Maybe I won’t really be dead when they sign my death certificate.
Fact:This is a popular topic in tabloids.
These tests are done at no charge to their families.
Myth: Organ donation is against my faith.
Fact:Most major faiths accept organ donation.
These include Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, most branches of Judaism and most Protestant faiths.
Some religions believe organ donation to be an act of charity.
If you don’t know where your faith stands on organ donation, ask a member of your clergy.
Myth: I’m younger than 18.
I’m too young to make this decision.
Fact:Many states let people younger than 18 register as organ donors.
But if you die before your 18th birthday, your parents or legal guardian will make the decision.
If you want to be an organ donor, double-check your family is OK with your wishes.
Remember, children, too, need organ transplants.
They often need organs smaller than adult size.
Myth: People who donate organs or tissues can’t have an open-casket funeral.
Fact:Donors' bodies are treated with care and respect.
And they’re dressed for burial.
No one can see that they donated organs or tissues.
Myth: I’m too old to donate.
Nobody wants my organs.
Fact:There’s no standard cutoff age for donating organs.
The decision to use your organs is based on the health of your organs, not age.
Myth: I’m not in the best health.
Nobody wants my organs or tissues.
Fact:Very few medical conditions keep you from donating organs.
Maybe you’ve got the option to’t donate some organs, but other organs and tissues are fine.
Myth: I’d like to donate one of my kidneys now.
Can I do that if it’s not going to a family member?
Most living donations are between family members and friends.
They want to check that you know the risks.
Myth: Rich and famous people go to the top of the list when they need a donor organ.
Fact:The rich and famous are treated the same as everyone else when it comes to organ donation.
True, famous people might get a lot of press after a transplant.
But who they are and how much money they have don’t help them get an organ.
A computer system and strict standards ensure fairness.
Myth: My family will be charged if I donate my organs.
Fact:The organ donor’s family never pays for donation.
The donor family pays for all the medical care given to keep your life before your organs are donated.
Sometimes families think those costs are for the organ donation.
But the person who gets the organs for transplant pays the costs for removing the organs.
And your donation helps not just the person getting the organ.
Many families say that knowing their loved one helped others helped them cope with their loss.
Think about being an organ donor if you belong to an ethnic minority group.
These include Black Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Hispanics.
Some blood types are more common among minority groups.
So the need for minority donor organs is high.
Becoming an organ donor is easy.
But telling your family also is important because hospitals ask next of kin before taking organs.
You also can include your wishes in a living will if you have one.
But the will might not be read right at the time of your death.
Updated: 5/4/2023
Publication Date: 4/19/2002
