Myths and Misconceptions

Myth: I am too old to donate. Nobody would want my organs, eyes and/or tissue.
Reality: No. You are never too old to give the gift of life. The decision to use your organs, eyes and tissue is based on strict medical criteria, not age. Even people in their 70s, 80s and 90s have organs that can help save a life.

Myth: Organ, eye and tissue donation is against my religion.
Reality: No. All major religions support organ, eye and tissue donation as the ultimate act of charity. If you have questions about your faith's views on donation, consult with your minister, pastor, rabbi or other religious leader. (Visit http://www.donatelifemd/religiousbeliefs for more information on a specific religion.)

Myth: Rich, famous and powerful people always seem to move to the front of the line when they need an organ, cornea or tissue. There's no way to ensure that my organs, eyes and/or tissue will go to those who have waited the longest or are the neediest.
Reality: No. It may seem like this happens because stories of the rich and famous are frequently in the news. The matching of organs and recipients is coordinated through the United Network of Organ Sharing and is based strictly on medical criteria to ensure the organs will go to the person who needs it the most. Celebrity, status or wealth is never a factor.

Myth: My family will be charged for donating a loved one's organs, eyes and tissue.
Reality: No. There is no cost to the donor or donor’s family for organ, eye or tissue donation.

Myth: I have a history of medical illness. You would not want my organs, eyes or tissues.
Reality: No, this is not true. At the time of your death, your medical history will be reviewed to see if you are a suitable donor. Even people with diabetes and heart disease are able to be a possible organ, eye and tissue donor.

Myth: If I agree to donate my organs, eyes and tissue, my doctor or the emergency room staff won't work as hard to save my life.
Reality: No. Only after all efforts have been exhausted in saving your life and death has been declared by the attending physician, will organ, eye and/or tissue recovery take place. The doctors working to save your life in an emergency room or a hospital's intensive care unit are separate from the medical team that would be involved in the recovery process.

Myth: I want my loved one to have an open-casket funeral. That can't happen if his or her organs, eyes or tissues have been donated.
Reality: No. An open casket viewing/funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Throughout the entire process, the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.