The Truth About Organ Donation

Making a decision about organ donation comes, for many families, at a time of great stress, anxiety and sadness. By understanding the facts about organ donation, you can educate and prepare your family about your decision to become a donor, and they will find peace knowing they’ve carried out your wishes.

Who can be a donor?
Anyone can sign-up to be a donor—even if you have pre-existing medical conditions. At the time of death, the appropriate medical professionals will review the patient’s medical and social histories to determine the eligibility for donation.

What organs can be donated?
Organs that can be donated include heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and intestine. 

If I’m a donor, will my doctors still try to save my life?
Organ recovery takes place only after all efforts to save a patient’s life have been exhausted and death has been declared. The medical team treating the patient is a completely separate team from the transplant team.

Is there a cost to the donor or their family?
There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate. Donation is a gift.

Will my religious beliefs interfere with my wish to be a donor?
All of the widely-known religions: Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism—fully support donation and consider it an act of charity. Check with your faith leader if you are unsure of your religion’s position on organ donation.  You can also view your religion’s viewpoint on organ donation here as compiled by www.organdonor.gov  

Will donation disfigure the body or make an open casket funeral impossible?
Donation does not cause disfigurement to a patient’s body. Organs are recovered through a surgical incision in the chest and abdominal area that can be covered by clothing.  Families can still have an open-casket funeral if that is their wish.

Do wealthy people receive organs before others?
The length of time it takes to receive a transplant is governed by many factors, including: blood type,