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Separating Facts from Fiction In Regard to Organ Donation

Organ donation is overwhelmingly supported by the adult population of the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 95 percent of adults in the United States support organ donation. In spite of that, the DHHS notes that only 54 percent of U.S. adults are signed up as organ donors. That gap only highlights the need for education in regard to organ donation. Separating the facts and fiction surrounding organ donation might compel more people to sign up as donors, saving untold numbers of lives as a result.

• People with medical conditions can still be organ donors. Many people mistakenly assume that an existing medical condition precludes them from being organ donors. However, the DHHS notes that very few medical conditions would prevent people from becoming organ donors. Such conditions include HIV and active cancer. Transplant teams determine at the time of death if a donation is possible, so even prospective donors who have doubts can still sign up.

• There is no age limit for organ donors. The health and condition of the organs, and not their age, is what matters. In fact, the DHHS notes that the oldest donor in the United States was 93 at the time of donation.

• Religions do not prohibit organ donation. The DHHS notes that most major religions support organ donation, considering it a final act of love and generosity.

Prospective donors who are uncertain if their religion supports organ donation can visit online at http://www.organdonor.gov/about/donors/religion.html for more information.

• Celebrity status, race or financial well-being do not dictate who receives organs. In the United States, a nationwide computer system matches donated organs to recipients. Blood type, geographic location and time on the waiting list are just some of the factors used to match donated organs to recipients. Race, celebrity status or financial well-being are never considered.

• Medical personnel will try to save organ donors’ lives. Some people fear that signing up as a donor might compel medical personnel to abandon lifesaving methods if they become ill or injured. But that’s not the case. Donation is not possible until all lifesaving methods have failed.

 
 

Reader Comments(1)

HerrPreis writes:

I used to be an organ donor, but changed my mind after Gov. Bob Casey Sr. received his double transplant after only waiting 10 hrs. on the list. I didn't begrudge Gov. Casey his transplant but I was, and am still, wondering how he jumped ahead of everyone else . I felt that his status was given preferential treatment over others waiting for organs.