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If I am in an accident and the hospital knows that I want to be a donor, the doctors will not try to save my life.
FACT: Organ and tissue recovery takes place only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and death has been legally declared. The medical staff treating you is completely separate from the organ recovery agency and transplant team. This is both law and ethical medical practice. The organ recovery agency does not notify the transplant team until your family has consented to donation.
Donation is against our religion. (see Religious Information section)
FACT: All organized religions support donation, typically considering it a generous act that is the individual's choice. Families who have religious questions are advised to consult with their personal spiritual advisor.
Donation will increase the hospital charges billed to the donor families.
FACT: Donation is a gift. All the costs associated with the donation procedures are charged to the organ recovery agency and then passed on to the transplant center which bills the transplant recipient and his/her insurer. The donor's family is responsible for the costs of all medical care not related to the donation and for funeral expenses - as they would be in any case.
Donation disfigures the body.It won't be possible to have an open casket funeral.
FACT: Donation does not disfigure the body. Donation is a surgical procedure performed under sterile operating room conditions. The donor's body is treated with the same care and respect as any surgical patient. Because there is no
disfigurement, organ and tissue donation does not interfere with the family's choice of funeral plans including an open casket viewing.
There are age limits on donation.
FACT: There is no age limit on who can donate. Whether individuals can donate organs and tissue depends on their hysical condition, not their age. Newborns as well as senior citizens have been organ donors. However, individuals under the age of 18 who wish to donate must obtain the consent of an adult who is legally responsible for them, such as a parent or guardian.
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