MYTHS & FACTS
ABOUT ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION
Don’t
let myths and rumors keep you from saving lives. Learn the
facts.
Myth: Doctors will not try to save my life if they know I want
to be a donor.
Fact: The medical staff trying to save lives is completely separate
from the transplant team. Donation takes place and transplant
surgeons are called in only after all efforts to save a life
have been exhausted and death is imminent or has been declared.
Myth: People can recover from brain death.
Fact: People can recover from comas, but not brain death. Coma
and brain death are not the same. Brain death is final.
Myth: Minorities should refuse to donate because organ distribution
discriminates by race.
Fact: Organs are matched by factors, including blood and tissue
typing, which can vary by race. Patients are more likely to find
matches among donors of their same race or ethnicity.
Myth: The rich and famous on the U.S. waiting list for organs
get preferential treatment.
Fact: The computerized matching system does not select recipients
based on fame or wealth. Organs are matched by blood and tissue
typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time, and geographic
location.
Myth: I am too old to donate organs and tissues.
Fact: People of all ages may be organ and tissue donors. Physical
condition, not age, is important. Please sign a donor card;
physicians will decide whether your organs and tissues can
be transplanted.
Myth: My family will be charged for donating my organs.
Fact: Donation costs are not the responsibility of the donor’s
family or estate.
Myth: Donation will disfigure my body.
Fact: Organs and tissues are removed in procedures similar to
surgery, and all incisions are closed at the conclusion of
the surgery. An open casket funeral is possible after donation.
Myth: Organs are sold, with enormous profits going to the medical
community.
Fact: Federal law prohibits buying and selling organs in the
U.S. Violators are punishable by prison sentences and fines.
Myth: Marrow donation is painful.
Fact: Marrow donors do not feel pain when the marrow is removed
because anesthesia is used. Soreness and/or stiffness may be
felt for a week or so post-donation.
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