Facts About Organ Donation

The entire organ donation and allocation process is highly regulated by an independent agency under contract from the department of Health and Human Services, UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing www.unos.org). The process of organ procurement and allocation has been carefully structured to protect both the interests of the donor and the recipient. Despite what has been seen on television recently there is complete separation of the teams that are responsible for obtaining consent from the donor’s family and doing the organ procurement and the team that is responsible for the transplant. This is true even in the case of living donors who are donating an organ to a family member. This process ensures that there is no duress placed on the donor or their family and that the information about the availability of an organ and the donor are presented appropriately to the recipient.

Listed below are some facts regarding common misconceptions about organ donation¹:

Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.

Fact: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.

Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.

Fact: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information, not your financial status or celebrity status.

Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.

Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.

Fact: Signing a donor card and a driver’s license with an "organ donor" designation may not satisfy your state’s requirements to become a donor. Be certain to take the necessary steps to be a donor and ensure that your family understands your wishes.

The following trailer highlights the power of a single organ donor to not only to save the lives of multiple people but provide comfort and purpose in the face of tragedy. Consider the facts and talk to your family about your wishes and make a “final act of love and generosity” your legacy.

For more information on becoming and organ donor in your state visit DonateLife.net.