Information spreads quickly these days, regardless of the accuracy.  When it comes to organ donation, dispelling myths is essential when so many lives are lost while waiting for a transplant.  Here are the 10 most common myths I hear and the facts associated with them.

I also want to take a moment to say that organ, eye, and tissue donors are heroes.  The discussion of donation can sound cold and even though facts are important, I never take for granted the gifts given by donors.

Myth 1

Doctors Won’t Try to Save My Life if I’m an Organ Donor

This one comes up a lot.  So I’ll start with the obvious.  A doctor’s first and only job is to work to save your life.  They take an oath to swear it, in fact.  It’s not until all life-saving measures have occurred that doctors pursue organ donation. That’s assuming you are in a hospital, though.

Let’s break it down a little more.  Let’s say you’ve been in a car accident and the paramedics show up on the scene.  I’ve also heard concern that if a paramedic or first responder sees that you are an organ donor, they won’t try to save your life.  The fact here is actually two-fold.  First, paramedics and first responders also have the job of working to save your life.  But the second part of that is that in order for someone to be an organ donor, they must die in a hospital.  In the event a car crash is fatal, that person would not be eligible for organ donation.

Additionally, an organ donor designation emblem on your driver’s license is not an official record.  Although it is an indicator, the registry is the official record.  All life-saving measures would need to occur first.  Then, the potential donor candidate must be verified through an OPO.  When that happens, an entirely different team is involved with the organ procurement process.

Myth 2

I’m Too Old to Be an Organ Donor

There is no age limit in organ, eye, and tissue donation.  In fact, just a couple of months ago a 95-year-old man became the oldest organ donor in history.  Every case is evaluated on an individual basis.  Even if an older donor’s solid organs may not be an option, the tissue often is.

Remember that organs can save up to eight lives, but tissue can improve the lives of up to 100 people.  I’ve had the great pleasure of speaking alongside Kacey, who is a Columbine shooting survivor and tissue recipient.

So, while organs are important to saving lives, tissue donation is too!

Myth 3

My Organs Won’t Be Any Good

Again, every situation is different.  While some illnesses may prevent someone from being an organ donor, many do not.  This is another time where tissue or eye donation may be an option when an organ is not.  Doctors can make these determinations at the time of donation.

Myth 4

My Religion Doesn’t Allow It

Actually, most major religions support organ donation as a final act of giving and love.  Once someone registers to be an organ donor, they can choose to omit anything they do not wish to donate.  The HRSA has information on specific religions here.  If you have questions, please reach out to a leader in your faith community for guidance. 

Myth 5

It Will Cost My Family Too Much Money

There is no cost to the donor or their family when someone is an organ donor.  Family only incurs costs related to your care until all life-saving measures have been exhausted.  At that point, the donation is paid for by the recipients most often through their insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

This is true for living organ donors as well.  All costs related to organ donation are covered by the recipient.

Myth 6

I Won’t Be Able to Have an Open Casket Funeral

An organ donor is always treated with the highest levels of respect and care. Measures taken throughout the donation process reflect this care. This ensures open casket arrangements can occur.  There will be no signs of donation visible for the funeral.  The dignity of the donor is paramount during this process.

Myth 7

What If I’m in a Coma?

Myth 8

My Organs Will Go to Someone Who Destroyed Their Own

Organ donation saves the lives of people who have experienced organ failure.  This can be something a person is born with or something that has developed over time.  A small percentage of people have developed organ failure through alcohol or drug abuse.  These people must achieve and maintain sobriety before they will be considered for a transplant.

Myth 9

Recipients Will Know My Identity

Privacy is maintained at all times for the donor, donor family, and recipients.  Information about the donor family is only released if they approve or request it.  As an example, the only information I know about my recipient is that he was a 20-year-old man.

Recipients often write letters to their donor’s loved ones in gratitude.  To protect privacy, recipient information is kept vague and goes through several channels to be sent on to the donor family.  At that point, the donor family has the option of whether or not they’d like to receive the correspondence.

We’ve all seen stories of donor families and recipients meeting one another.  These meetings only occur after both parties have agreed.

Myth 10

The Decision is Up to My Family

Many people believe that this is a decision to be made by the family after death.  Making the decision and registering to be an organ donor is something you can do for your family.  This eliminates the burden of your family needing to make such an impactful decision when they are going through so much grief and loss.

Bonus: The Rich and Famous Get Organs First

In the US, there is a transplant list.  People are placed on the list and their position on that list is based on their blood type, the severity of their illness, time spent on the list.  Recipients are not given preferential treatment based on income, social status, or race.

Discussing Your Decision

After making the decision to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, it’s important to have some discussions.  Sit down with your family and make sure they understand your decision.  This will help eliminate any unknowns in the event of your death.

Having conversations about death is never comfortable, but it is important.  Be prepared to answer some questions and concerns, but be sure to ask that they support your decision.  There are several resources available online about how to have this conversation (here’s one).

Helping your family understand your decision will eliminate any questions. Your family will be clear about your wishes and this can give them some peace of mind during a difficult time.