Myths About Organ Donation, Busted!

Organ donation provides lifesaving treatments for tens of thousands in need of transplants. Yet myths and misconceptions still deter many from registering as donors. Clearing up the facts behind these organ donor myths can help more people make informed decisions about this humanitarian medical practice. Understanding the realities of organ donation leads to improved awareness and better outcomes for all.

Myth: Registering Affects Your End-of-Life Care

Some fear registering as an organ donor will impact the medical care they receive at the end of life. But this myth stems from confusion between organ donation and end-of-life care planning. They are completely separate processes. Your care team follows your treatment wishes and provides the same urgent lifesaving measures regardless of donor status. Only after death has been declared do coordinators discuss donation with your family. Donor status does not affect your treatment or cause doctors to hasten death pronouncement.

Myth: It Disfigures The Body

Families sometimes decline donations out of misplaced fear it will prevent an open-casket funeral or disfigure the body’s appearance. But donor recovery is a meticulous surgery performed with utmost care and respect. The surgical team makes great efforts to maintain a normal appearance afterward. Your physical dignity remains fully intact. Organ donation does not interfere with having an open-casket funeral. Be reassured the recovery is done with the utmost respect.

Myth: Wealthy Go To The Top Of Waiting Lists

Concerns sometimes arise over the wealthy unfairly jumping transplant waiting lists. But the organ allocation system follows clear regulations prioritizing medical urgency over any other factors. An impartial nationwide system matches donors to recipients based on blood type, organ size, geographic proximity, time on the waiting list, and other clinical criteria. Wealth, fame, status, or income never impact waitlist priority. UNOS oversees equitable, medically sound distribution.

Myth: Too Old Or Unhealthy To Donate

Many mistakenly assume you must be young and healthy to become a donor. In fact, people in their 70s or 80s do successfully donate. What matters most is organ function rather than age. Those with well-managed conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes often still qualify too. Don’t rule yourself out as too old or sick. Thorough evaluation at the time of death determines what organs may help recipients. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle makes donation more likely.

Myth: Doctors Won’t Try To Save Me

A common fear is that doctors won’t do everything possible to save the life of a registered donor. But doctors remain fully committed to preserving patients’ lives regardless of donor status. They must still exhaust all lifesaving attempts as usual. The medical team does not even know your donor registration status while treating you. Only after death is legally declared do they learn you registered as a donor. So rest assured doctors make no compromises trying to save you.

So, after knowing this if you wish to become an organ donor, click on the link to learn how to become an organ donor in Michigan.

Myth: Organs Get Wasted

Some worry that donated organs end up wasted if recipients’ bodies reject them. But thanks to modern antirejection drugs, organ rejection is far less common than in the past. Doctors also carefully match donors and recipients for compatibility to avoid rejection. Transplant outcomes continue improving, with 1-year organ survival rates around 90% for most types. So rather than getting wasted, the vast majority of donated organs successfully transform recipients’ lives.

Myth: Only Certain Organs Can Be Donated

While organs like kidneys, livers, and hearts are commonly donated, you may be surprised by the range of organs and tissues that can be donated. Corneas restore sight through transplants. Skin grafts help burn victims heal. Bones, ligaments, and tendons enable mobility. Heart valve repair defects. Veins aid circulation. The variety of tissues and anatomical gifts that can help is extensive. Maximizing this precious gift comforts families.

Myth: My Family Can Override My Wishes

A common misconception is that despite registering as an organ donor, your family can override your decision after death. But the law honors your advance wishes first. Families cannot easily contradict your documented donor intent. Out of courtesy, coordinators discuss donations with loved ones, but your legally binding directive holds sway. Verifying donor registration through sources like the Michigan Secretary of State does clarify your intentions for family members.