Other Myths & Facts About Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation
Myth: There are certain things that can keep me from being an organ donor such as age, illness or physical defects.
Fact: Each person’s medical condition is evaluated at the time of death to determine what organs and tissues are viable for donation. Even people living with chronic diseases or those who have a history of cancer are encouraged to join the donor registry.
Myth: If doctors know I’m registered to be an organ or tissue donor, they won’t work as hard to save my life.
Fact: The first priority of a medical professional is to save lives when sick or injured people come to the hospital. Organ and tissue donation isn’t even considered or discussed until after death is declared. In fact, doctors and nurses involved in a person’s care before death are not involved in the recovery or transplantation of donated corneas, organs or tissues.
Myth: If you are rich or a celebrity, you can move up the waiting list more quickly.
Fact: Severity of illness, time spent waiting, blood type and match potential are the factors that determine your place on the waiting list. A patient’s income, race and social status are never taken into account in the allocation process.
Myth: After donating an organ or tissue, a closed casket funeral is the only option.
Fact: Our organ recovery organization, Donor Alliance, treats each heroic donor with the utmost respect and dignity, allowing a donor’s body to be viewed in an open casket funeral.
Myth: My family will be charged for donating my organs.
Fact: Costs associated with recovering and processing organs and tissues for transplant are never passed on to the donor family. The family may be expected to pay for medical expenses incurred before death is declared and for expenses involving funeral arrangements.
*There are other factors that can rule you out, but that will be determined by a medical professional at the time of your death.