MYTH
All of us can donate organs after our death.
All of us can donate organs after our death.
FACT
Organ donation is only possible in the event of brain death. In the event of natural death, just the corneas and skin tissues may be donated.
Organ donation is only possible in the event of brain death. In the event of natural death, just the corneas and skin tissues may be donated.
MYTH
Organ donor’s family is charged for organ donation.
Organ donor’s family is charged for organ donation.
FACT
The family of an organ donor is never billed for any procedures performed during the donation process.
The family of an organ donor is never billed for any procedures performed during the donation process.
MYTH
Families are not allowed to see the body after organ donation.
Families are not allowed to see the body after organ donation.
FACT
Families are permitted to see the body if they express a willingness to do so.
Families are permitted to see the body if they express a willingness to do so.
MYTH
Organ donation leaves the body disfigured.
Organ donation leaves the body disfigured.
FACT
The organ donation procedure is executed in the operating room by experts, and the body is handled with extreme caution. The body isn’t disfigured for any reason.
The organ donation procedure is executed in the operating room by experts, and the body is handled with extreme caution. The body isn’t disfigured for any reason.
MYTH
If they see I’m a donor at the hospital, they won’t try to save my life.
If they see I’m a donor at the hospital, they won’t try to save my life.
FACT
When you are sick or injured and admitted to a hospital, the one and only priority is to save your life. Period. Donation doesn’t become a possibility until all life saving methods have failed. You’ll be treated by a doctor whose area of expertise most closely matches your case. Your primary care physician is not involved in transplantation.
When you are sick or injured and admitted to a hospital, the one and only priority is to save your life. Period. Donation doesn’t become a possibility until all life saving methods have failed. You’ll be treated by a doctor whose area of expertise most closely matches your case. Your primary care physician is not involved in transplantation.
MYTH
I am too old to donate, nobody will want my organs.
I am too old to donate, nobody will want my organs.
FACT
When it comes to donating organs, there is no fixed age limit. Organs from donors in their 70s and 80s have been successfully transplanted in the past. Your organs will be used based on specific medical requirements, not based on your age.
When it comes to donating organs, there is no fixed age limit. Organs from donors in their 70s and 80s have been successfully transplanted in the past. Your organs will be used based on specific medical requirements, not based on your age.
MYTH
Once I become an organ donor, I can never change my mind.
Once I become an organ donor, I can never change my mind.
FACT
You have the opportunity to change your mind at any time. You can revoke your registration by notifying the registry, discarding your organ donor card, and informing your family that you’ve changed your mind.
You have the opportunity to change your mind at any time. You can revoke your registration by notifying the registry, discarding your organ donor card, and informing your family that you’ve changed your mind.
MYTH
Rich or famous people on the waiting list get organs faster.
Rich or famous people on the waiting list get organs faster.
FACT
Blood type, duration spent waiting, other vital medical records, how ill the person is, and geographic location are the factors considered in organ allocation. Race, wealth, and celebrity status are never taken into account.
Blood type, duration spent waiting, other vital medical records, how ill the person is, and geographic location are the factors considered in organ allocation. Race, wealth, and celebrity status are never taken into account.
MYTH
Somebody could take my organs and sell them.
Somebody could take my organs and sell them.
FACT
Indian Law prohibits buying and selling organs. Violators can be punished with prison sentences and fines.
Indian Law prohibits buying and selling organs. Violators can be punished with prison sentences and fines.
MYTH
If I’m in a coma, they could take my organs.
If I’m in a coma, they could take my organs.
FACT
Patients that have been ruled brain dead make up the majority of organ donors. Coma is not the same thing as brain death. Coma patients may be revived, but brain death is irreversible. So, procedure is not initiated until one is declared brain dead.
Patients that have been ruled brain dead make up the majority of organ donors. Coma is not the same thing as brain death. Coma patients may be revived, but brain death is irreversible. So, procedure is not initiated until one is declared brain dead.