Myths & Misconceptions
Myths & Misconceptions
Why Don’t Many People Register To Be Organ Donors?
Because they often misunderstand the process. This video summarizes some of the most common myths and misconceptions that dissuade many potential organ donors.
Who Can Be a Donor?
Many of your patients may believe that they are too old to be donors, or that medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease will prevent them from being organ and tissue donors. These ideas are incorrect. The truth is, ANYONE can be REGISTERED as a donor! Medical suitability for organ and tissue donation can only be determined by an organ procurement organization at the time of a potential donor’s death. No one should rule themselves out before they register.
Hospital Treatment
One of the most prevalent myths surrounding organ and tissue donation is the idea that if someone is in an accident and medical personnel find their driver’s license and see that they are an organ donor, they won’t try to save the injured person’s life.
This is absolutely a myth! At any hospital, the number-one priority is to save every life. Paramedics, nurses and doctors will do EVERYTHING possible to save a patient’s life. An organ procurement organization is only notified after all life-saving efforts have failed.
Allocation
Some people think that preference is given in allocating organs to the rich and famous, whether they be politicians, athletes or movie stars. This is incorrect. Donor organs are matched to recipients on the transplant waiting list based on suitability factors. These factors include time on the waiting list, how sick a patient is, geographical considerations, and blood type. Allocation is NOT determined based on gender, race, wealth, or social status.
How Religions View Organ Donation
Many people have misconceptions about how their religion views organ donation. In fact, all major religions SUPPORT organ, tissue, and cornea donation as a way of helping others in an unparalleled gift of generosity and compassion.