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Myths and Misconceptions

The top 10 misconceptions about organ and tissue donation.

If I am in an accident and the doctors or nurses find my donor card, they will not try to save my life.
Doctors, nurses and paramedics will do everything to try to save your life. In fact, an individual needs to be in the hospital, on a ventilator and pronounced brain dead for organ donation. The medical team treating you is separate from the transplant team. CORE is not notified until all life-saving efforts have failed. The transplant team is not notified by CORE until after CORE has spoken with the individual's family.

I do not want my body "cut up".
Donated organs and tissue are removed surgically. The surgery will not affect open-casket viewing arrangements.

Wealthy people are the only people who receive transplants.
Anyone requiring a transplant is eligible for one. In fact, most major insurance companies now provide coverage for heart, liver, kidney and lung transplants. Additionally, organs are matched first according to height, weight, and blood type, followed by medical urgency and time accrued on the waiting list.

I cannot choose what I want donated.
You may specify what organs or tissue you want to donate. Your wishes will be followed.

I am not the right age for donation.
Organs may be donated from someone as young as newborn. There is no age limit for organ donation. The general age limit for tissue and eye donation is 70.

If I do not sign a donor card, my family cannot donate organs, tissue, or eyes.
Without a donor card or donor designation on a license, families of suitable donors still will be offered the opportunity to donate. To ensure your wishes are fulfilled, sign a donor card, place the designation on your license or state identification card and discuss with your family your decision to donate.

My religion does not support donation.
Major organized religions support donation, considering it a generous act.

Only heart, liver and kidneys can be transplanted.
The pancreas, lungs, intestines, and the stomach also can be transplanted, as can corneas, bone, ligaments, tendons, heart valves, saphenous veins, and skin.

My family would be expected to pay for donating my organs.
A donor's family is not charged for the donation. The family or the family's insurance is expected to pay for any costs involved with trying to save the individual; however, if a family believes it has been billed incorrectly, the family immediately should contact CORE.

I have a history of medical illness. You would not want anything.
At the time of death, CORE will review medical and social histories to determine donor suitability on a case-by-case basis. Few illnesses or conditions prevent someone from being a donor.

Information provided by CORE.