FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ORGAN DONATIONS
1. Who can donate?
People of any age, including the very young and the very old, can be donors. Anyone over the age of 18 can register to be a donor. If a child under the age of 18 dies, parents must decide whether to donate the child’s organs to help others and share the gift of life. Even with a medical condition, donation may be possible.
2. How are organs distributed?
There is one national computerized list of every patient waiting for an organ from a deceased donor. When a donor becomes available, the computer identifies the best matched recipient for each organ the donor provides. Some factors considered in matching include compatible blood and tissue types; similar body size; severity of patient illness and time on the waiting list; and distance between donor and patient.
3. Can people of different ethnicities match?
Yes. Organs are not matched according to race or ethnicity, and people of different races frequently match one another. However, a compatible blood type between the donor and recipient is essential for a successful transplant. Because certain blood and tissue types are more common among specific ethnicities, all individuals have a better chance of finding a match if there are large numbers of donors from all backgrounds.
4. Do any religions object to donation?
Most major religions in the United States support organ donation and consider it the final act of love and generosity toward others.
5. How do I indicate my decision to donate?
Sign up on your state’s donor registry either at the motor vehicle office or start online at organdonor.gov. Tell your family of your wishes and save them from making the decision at a difficult time.
6. Will doctors still try to save my life if they know I’m a registered donor?
Absolutely yes. If you are sick or injured, the only priority is to save your life, whether or not you are a registered donor.
7. Do the rich and famous get priority for organs?
No. A patient’s financial or celebrity status does not affect the match; celebrities and the wealthy do not get priority treatment. Thousands of people get transplants each year, but the media more often publicize information about celebrities who receive transplants.
8. Is there a cost to my family for organ donation?
No. There is no cost to donors or their families for organ, eye, or tissue donation.
9. What about open-casket funerals?
An open-casket funeral is possible for organ, eye, and tissue donors. Throughout the entire donation process, the body is treated with care, respect, and dignity.
10. Is it legal to pay someone for an organ?
No. Federal law prohibits buying and selling organs in the United States. Violations are punishable by prison sentences and fines.