Myth: Only the heart, liver and kidneys can be transplanted.
Fact: The lungs, pancreas and intestines can also be transplanted, as can tissues such as eyes, skin, bone, heart valves and tendons.
Myth: Rich people and celebrities can get moved to the top of the organ waiting list.
Fact: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list is blind to income, celebrity, and social standing. What determines your place on the list is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type and other important medical information.
Myth: If I’ve agreed to be an organ donor, the hospital won’t work as hard to save my life if I’m in an accident.
Fact: If you’re ever in the hospital with a life-threatening condition, your medical team’s mission is to save your life, not another person’s. You’ll be treated by a physician who specializes in your area of need and has nothing to do with transplantation.
Myth: If I donate my organs, I won’t be able to have an open-casket funeral.
Fact: Donated organs are carefully removed in a surgical procedure that will not disfigure the body or prevent an open-casket funeral.
Myth: I think organ donation goes against my religious beliefs.
Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most major religions, including Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam and most branches of Judaism. If you’re uncertain, talk to your spiritual advisor; organdonor.gov also provides a detailed list of religious views on donation.
Myth: I’m too young/too old to be an organ donor.
Fact: Organ donation is possible from birth to about age 75. If you’re under 18, your parents are legally empowered to authorize organ donation; make sure to share your decision to be a donor with them.
