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Myth #1
"I heard about this guy who went to a party, and woke up the next morning
in a bathtub full of ice. His kidneys were stolen for sale on the black
market!" |
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Reality
There is no documented case of this ever happening. Period.
First, it is illegal to buy and sell organs in the United States. "Public
Law 98-507 prohibits the sale of human organs. Second, due to the
complexity of transplantation, piracy is practically impossible. The
process of matching donors with recipients, the need for highly skilled
medical professionals to perform the surgery, and the need for modern
medical facilities and support necessary for transplantation make it highly
unlikely that this system could be duplicated in secrecy. " References:
HRSA, UNOS
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Myth #2
"Rich and famous people get moved to the top of the waiting list, while
'regular' people have to wait a long time for a transplant." |
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Reality
The organ allocation and distribution system is blind to wealth or social
status.
"The length of time it takes to receive a transplant is governed
by many factors, including blood type, length of time on the waiting list,
severity of illness and other medical criteria. Factors such as race,
gender, age, income or celebrity status are never considered when determining
who receives an organ." Reference: UNOS
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Myth #3
"If I'm in an accident and the hospital knows I want to be a donor,
the doctors won't try to save my life!" |
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Reality
The medical team treating you is separate from the transplant team.
The organ procurement organization (OPO) is not notified
until all lifesaving efforts have failed and death has been determined.
The OPO does not notify the transplant team until your family has consented
to donation. See Q&A on Brain
Death.
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Myth #4
"My religion does not approve of donation." |
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Reality
All organized religions support donation, typically considering it a generous
act that is the individual's choice.
See "Religious Views on Donation."
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Myth #5
"I don't want my family to have to pay if I want to donate my organs." |
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Reality
A donor's family is not charged for donation.
If a family believes it has been billed incorrectly, the family should
immediately contact its local
organ procurement organization.
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Myth #6
"If I donate, I would worry that the recipient and/or the recipient's
family would discover my identity and cause more grief for my family." |
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Reality
Information about the donor is released by the OPO to the recipients only
if the family that donated requests that it be provided.
See "Contacting the Recipients/Contacting
the Family."
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Myth #7
"I have a history of medical illness. You would not want my organs
or tissues." |
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Reality
At the time of death, the OPO will review medical and social histories
to determine donor suitability on a case-by-case basis.
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Myth #8
"I am not the right age for donation." |
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Reality
Age limits for organ donation no longer exist; however,
the general age limit for tissue donation is 70. Organs may be donated
from someone as young as a newborn.
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Myth #9
"I heard that they take everything, even if I only want to donate my
eyes." |
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Reality
You may specify which organs you want donated. Your
wishes will be followed.
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Myth #10
"Organ and tissue donation means my body will be mutilated and treated
badly." |
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Reality
Donated organs are removed surgically, in a routine
operation similar to gallbladder or appendix removal. Donation doesn't
disfigure the body or change the way it looks in a casket. Normal funeral
arrangements are possible.
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