Organ Donation FAQ
Will doctors let me die if they know I’m a registered organ donor?
A. No. If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ and tissue donation will only be considered after you are deceased.Does my religion support donation?
A. Yes. All major religions in the United States support donation. Many consider donation the ultimate act of charity. If you have any questions, consult your church, synagogue or religious organization.Does donation affect the appearance of the body at the funeral?
A. No. Donated organs and tissues are surgically removed in a routine and respectful operation. Most donations take place within 24 hours after death and should not delay funeral arrangements or a family’s wish for an open casket.Can rich and famous people buy organs?
A. No. It’s a federal crime to buy or sell organs and tissue in the United States. Factors such as income or celebrity status are never considered in the placement of organs. The determination of who gets an organ is based on many factors, including blood type, severity of illness, length of time on waiting list, and geographic location. There is no way to buy a place on the United Network for Organ Sharing waiting list. Your gift will go to the person on the waiting list who needs it most.Am I too old to donate?
A. No. There are no age limits for organ or tissue donation. Organs and tissue may be donated by a senior citizen or someone as young as a newborn baby.Does it cost any money to donate?
A. No. There is no cost to a donor’s family for donation.I’ve been sick lately or in the past. Can I still be a donor?
A. Yes. At the time of death, trained recovery coordinators will review your medical history to determine what organs and tissue can be donated. Recent advances in transplantation have allowed more people to be eligible donors. For example, people with diabetes can donate; people who have had cancer, but have been cancer-free, can be donors; and even people with poor eyesight can donate their corneas.What organ and tissue can be donated?
A. Organ donation includes the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine. Tissue donation includes the corneas of the eyes, bones, veins, fascia, heart valves, ligaments, skin and tendons.The decision to become a donor is an important one. It is hope for the more than 102,000 people on the transplant waiting list, and it is your heroic legacy for the future – it’s a way to Live On. Ride On.
More Frequently Asked Questions
