Common Questions About Organ/Tissue Donation
Q: Am I qualified to be a donor?
A. Everyone should consider themselves a potential organ/tissue donor, regardless of age or medical history. At the time of the donation, professional transplant surgeons will determine which organs and tissue are acceptable.Q: If I indicate a willingness to become a donor, will every effort be made to save my life in case of accident or illness?
A. Of course. Organ and tissue donation is considered only after ALL possible efforts have been made to save the patient's life. The patient's death must be certified under very strict medical guidelines. The members of the transplant team cannot be involved in certifying the patient's death.Q: What is the public's attitude toward donation?
A. The public overwhelmingly supports organ/tissue donation. A substantial majority say they would be willing to make a donation on behalf of a loved one.Q: Then why is there a severe shortage of donated organs and tissue?
A. Because too few people tell their families of their interest in becoming donors. Because too few people follow through and sign donor cards.Q: Can I specify which organs/tissue I want to donate?
A. Yes. You can specify donating one, two or all your organs and tissue.Q: Why should I discuss my decision with my family?
A. Even if you have signed a donor card, hospital personnel will ask your family for permission before you may become an organ/tissue donor. Your family will be more likely to give permission and to be less concerned about the donation if you have told them of your decision to donate.Q: What will my family think about my becoming a donor?
A. Most families feel very positive about the decision. It will spare them the burden of making the decision for you. Families typically experience a sense of comfort in knowing their loved one's gift gave another person a second chance at life.Q: How are organ/tissue recipients chose?
A. The recipients of donated organs are identified through the computer matching system of the United Network for Organ Sharing. Criteria considered include urgency of need, length of time of the waiting list, compatibility of blood type, tissue matching and body size. The system for selecting recipients of tissue is less structured but many of the same factors are used. Recipients are chosen without regard to race or sex.Q: Will my family have to pay the costs of donation?
A. All costs related to recovery of organs and tissue are paid for by the organ/tissue procurement agency responsible for making the arrangements. The donor's family pays only normal funeral expenses and hospital expenses incurred before donation.Q: Will my body be disfigured?
A. Generally, no. The operation will be performed by a highly skilled team of transplant surgeons. The surgery will not alter the donor's appearance. The body is treated with the utmost respect and dignity.Q: Will donating delay funeral arrangements?
A. Organ/tissue donation will not delay funeral arrangements or add to their cost.Q: What are religious views on organ/tissue donation?
A. All major religions and ethical traditions approve of organ/tissue donation. They consider it an expression of the highest humanitarian ideals because organ/tissue donation enhances life.Text by Steve Barnill & Company, Inc. Houston, Texas.
Funded in part by a grant from The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Foundation.
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