Myths & Facts About Organ & Tissue Donation
Myths & Facts About Organ & Tissue Donation
Myth: There are certain things that can keep me from being an organ donor such as age, illness or physical defects.
Fact: Each person’s medical condition is evaluated at the time of their death to determine what organs and tissues are viable for donation. People living with chronic diseases or those who have a history of cancer or other serious diseases are still encouraged to join the donor registry.
Myth: If doctors know that I am registered to be an organ or tissue donor, they won’t work as hard to save my life.
Fact: Preserving your health and life is always the number one goal. The medical staff that care for you or your loved one at the hospital play no role in tissue donation. Organ and tissue recovery takes place only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and after death has been declared. Tissue recovery surgery is performed by highly-trained members of the LifeNet Health of Florida team and is usually performed in a hospital.
Myth: After donating an organ or tissue, a closed casket funeral is the only option.
Fact: LifeNet Health of Florida treats each donor with the utmost care, respect and dignity. Donation does not normally affect customary funeral activities. Every effort will be made to minimize the visual change to the body to allow for an open-casket funeral.
Myth: There is a cost to the family for donating your organs and tissues.
Fact: Donation is considered a precious gift of life. Costs associated with recovery and processing organs and tissues for transplant are never passed on to the donor family.
Myth: My religion doesn’t support organ and tissue donation.
Fact: Most major religions support organ and tissue donation. Typically, religions view organ and tissue donation as acts of charity and goodwill. LifeNet Health of Florida encourages you to discuss organ and tissue donation with your spiritual advisor if you have concerns on this issue.
Myth: I don’t have anything useful for anyone else.
Fact: Anyone may be a candidate for donation, regardless of age, race, medical history or religious beliefs.