Donation Myths/Facts

The Myths and Facts of organ and tissue donation

Many myths exist about organ and tissue donation. These are largely due to certain values people have been raised with, religious beliefs or fears about what you “hear on the street” or see in movies. We want to provide you with factual information about donation, so you can make an educated decision to become a registered donor.

In 2006, in conjunction with its 14 partner organizations, Donor Awareness Council issued a White Paper to the public in April, National Donate Life Month. The paper addresses several common myths about organ 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 their death to determine what organs and tissues are viable for donation. People living with chronic diseases or those who have a history of cancer or other serious diseases are still encouraged to join the donor registry.

Myth:

If doctors know that I am 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.

Typically, 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 or 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:

Donor Alliance treats each donor with the utmost respect and dignity, allowing a donor’s body to be viewed in an open casket funeral.

Myth:

My religion doesn’t support organ and tissue donation.

Fact:

Most major religions support organ and tissue donation. Typically, religions view organ and tissue donation as acts of charity and goodwill. Donor Alliance urges you to discuss organ and tissue donation with your spiritual advisor if you have concerns on this issue.

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.

We are pleased to announce the creation of Colorado’s new specialty Donate Life license plate. CLICK HERE.

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