Organ Donation Facts

These organ donation facts will dispel all myths about this act of charity to help others. Organ donation is something that many know little about and sadly there are many myths in today’s society that may make you doubtful about signing the uniform donor card. Organ donors cannot sell their organs in America, unlike other foreign countries that allow this. The facts about organ donation will be discussed below.

1. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. The lives of eight people can be saved when one person leaves their organs to help others. That same donor can enrich the lives of 50 others and improve their daily lives by donating corneas and tissues.  
2. Approximately 105,000 people are currently awaiting a donor. 4,000 people who are awaiting a donor are added to this list monthly. Eighteen people per day will die awaiting a donor however. Approximately 12,000 people die each year who qualified to be a donor and sadly only half donated organs. The facts about organ donation will surprise you.
3. People awaiting an organ donation under eighteen years of age. Approximately 10% of people under the age of eighteen are awaiting a donor for heart, liver, kidney, pancreas, lung or bone marrow. Almost anyone can agree to be a donor at any age to help those who desperately need help. 
4. Organ donation is an act of charity supported by all religions. Almost all religions support the gift of life and organ donation. Helping others live a good life is the basis of all human compassion for others.  
5. An organ donation does not cost anything. Neither the donor or the family has any out of pocket money for this act of charity for helping others live. The only costs that are involved are those before the death and the funeral. These are normal expenses for anyone, but the cost of removal and transplantation of organs are not charged to the donor’s family.
6. Even if you’re a donor, do not doubt that doctors will do everything to save your life. There are many misconceptions in today’s society. Many potential donors worry that their life will not be saved because their organs are needed. This is not the case and doctors are required to save your life and do the utmost they can to make sure you have a quality life.
7. Signing a uniform donor card. Even if you sign and agree to be an organ donator, your next of kin must agree at your time of death. It is best to inform your relatives of your desire to donate your organs.
8. Do celebrities get organs first? Again this is a misconception. Celebrities, the rich and famous and even Senators do not get priority when it comes to organ donation. Organs are given to those in need first, not to those who have the most money. Distribution of organs is based on the person’s time on the waiting list, location and the condition of the patient in regards to how severe the illness is.
9. There is no black market in the US. Organs are not bought and sold in the US. The distribution is regulated by the Federal Government. Unlike some stories you may have heard of in foreign countries, you cannot buy a kidney or a heart for the right price in America.
10. Removal of organs are done professionally and with the same care that any operation would have been done. There is an 80 to 90% success rate of organ transplantation yearly. Doctors will evaluate upon death if the organs are viable and can be transplanted. Bodies are not disfigured in any way and the donor may have an open casket funeral if desired.