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ORGAN DONATION
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU'VE HEARD
Because transplantation is an evolving science, it is understandable that people create
and spread rumors about organ donation. Following are facts that counter the most
common misconceptions about donation.
1. THERE IS NO BLACK MARKET FOR ORGANS IN THE U.S.
There is no documented evidence of an illicit market for organs in the U.S. Not only
is the sale of organs illegal, but due to the sheer complexity of transplantation, it’s
practically impossible.
2. THEY WON’T RECOVER ORGANS BEFORE DEATH IS DECLARED.
Brain death is a medically, legally and morally accepted determination of death, and two
independent, licensed physicians must make the diagnosis before the organ donation
process can begin.
3. IF YOU ARE AN ORGAN DONOR, MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WOULD WORK JUST
AS HARD TO SAVE YOU.
The medical team treating you is separate from the transplant team. An organ procurement
organization (OPO) is not notified until all lifesaving efforts have failed and death
is imminent. Furthermore, organ donation is only possible under the extremely rare
circumstances that a patient suffers a major head injury but the body is kept functioning
with a ventilator.
4. RICH AND FAMOUS PEOPLE DO NOT MOVE TO THE TOP OF THE WAITING LIST.
The system of allocation does not factor wealth or social status. According to UNOS,
which maintains the national transplant waiting list, "the length of time it takes to receive
a transplant is governed by many factors, including blood type, length of time on the
waiting list, severity of illness and other medical criteria.” In some cases, an individual
who appears in good health one day can require an emergency transplant within a few
days. “Factors such as race, gender, age, income or celebrity status are never
considered when determining who receives an organ."
5. THE DONOR FAMILY IS NOT BURDENED WITH COSTS RELATED TO ORGAN DONATION.
A donor’s family is never charged for organ donation. From the moment a family gives
consent for donation or the donor’s documented wish to donate is determined, an organ
procurement organization bears the costs associated with the recovery of organs for
transplantation. However, the family is responsible for all hospital expenses incurred
prior to the death of the donor and all funeral expenses.
6. ALL MAJOR RELIGIONS APPROVE OF ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION.
All organized religions support donation, with many considering it a generous act that is
the individual's choice.
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