While 95 percent of U.S. adults support organ donation, only 54 percent are registered donors, according U.S. Government Information on Organ Donation and Transplantation. Part of the reason for this disconnect is a number of myths around organ donation. Here are some of the most common myths, and the facts:
Myth: You can’t donate if you have a medical condition.
Truth: Anyone can sign up to be a donor. Only a few medical conditions would prevent donation: HIV infection, active cancer, or a systemic infection. Even with an illness outside of these, your organs or tissues may still be able to be donated. The transplant team will determine whether a donation is possible.
Myth: You have to be in a certain age range to be a donor.
Truth: There’s no age limit to organ donation. What matters is the health and condition of your organs. The oldest donor was 93 at the time of donation.
Myth: Medical professionals won’t try to save your life if they see you’re an organ donor.
Truth: The priority of any medical professional is to save your life when you’re sick or injured. Donating your organs isn’t considered until all life-saving methods have been exhausted.
Myth: Donations are given faster to the rich and famous.
Truth: Donated organs are matched to recipients through a national computer system. The factors used in matching include time spent waiting, blood type, geographic location, sickness of the patient, and other important medical information. Race, income, and celebrity are never considered.
Myth: Religions prevent organs from being donated.
Truth: Most major U.S. religions support organ donation, considering it as a final act of love and generosity toward others.
There is a strong need for organ donors as 20 people each day die waiting for a transplant.
Read more to learn about the benefits of organ donation, and find out how you can become a donor.