It’s a quick question that might come up every time you renew your government-issued ID, but it’s also an extremely important question that could change someone’s life forever. Would you like to become an organ donor?
This question certainly does need time and consideration to answer, but there is also a ton of misinformation that might make it more difficult for you to decide. Here are the facts (according to organdonor.gov):
As of September 2023, over 103,000 people were on a waiting list for an organ. This number far outpaces the number of people who choose to become an organ donor. In fact, every 8 minutes, another person joins the waiting list.
Even though this is the case, many people choose not to become an organ donor due to the prevailing myths surrounding organ donation. What are some of the top reasons why a person might be unwilling to become an organ donor? Our friends at Virtua Advanced Transplant and Organ Health have compiled a list of some of the most common myths, what their realities are, and how we can reframe our thinking.
If I’m an organ donor, doctors will be less interested in saving my life.
This premise is a disturbing one, but it seems to make logical sense that if there is such a need for organ donation, doctors would have less of an incentive to preserve the life of a potential donor. This statement is false. Doctors place equal priority on saving an organ donor’s life as they place on an organ recipient’s life.
I’m too old to be a donor.
Age is not the sole factor for determining one’s eligibility for organ donation. There are several criteria that doctors consider before a transplant takes place, and the health of your organs are the most important of those criteria.
I’m too sick to be a donor.
Similarly to the previous myth, the only true way to determine this would be to become an organ donor and have a health team evaluate the health of your organs. In some cases, an illness could affect some organs and not others.
If I’m an organ donor, I won’t be able to have an open-casket funeral when I die.
An organ donation does not interfere with the ability to have an open-casket funeral, since the transplant surgery will not have a noticeable effect on one’s physical appearance.
My family will be charged for my organ donation.
Families are not charged for an organ donation; the individual who will receive the organ transplant is responsible for the fees associated with the transplant.
If you are considering becoming an organ donor, these popular myths may have discouraged you from making the decision. In any case, do your research, ask questions, and determine for yourself whether organ donation is an option for you.
Still, with the need for organs growing every day, make sure that none of these myths are what stand between you and saving someone’s life. Learn more about Virtua Advanced Transplant & Organ Health services today.
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