MYTH:   A physician may not do everything possible to care for me in an emergency situation in order to take my organs for transplant.

FACT:   Upon arrival at an accident scene or upon receiving you in the emergency room, emergency or critical care staff immediately spring into action to try and save your life.  Physicians involved in a patient's care in an emergency or critical care setting by law may have nothing to do with transplant programs.  Death can be declared only by following strict medical and legal guidelines and usually with the input of more than one physician.

MYTH:   Wealthy people and celebrities are moved to the top of the list ahead of "regular" patients.

FACT:   The organ allocation and distribution system is blind to wealth or social status.  The length of time it takes to receive a transplant is governed by many factors:  blood type, length of time on the waiting list, severity of illness and other medical criteria.  Factors such as ethnicity, gender, age, income or celebrity status are not considered when determining who receives an organ.  Celebraties always make headline news regardless of the activity, where "regular" citizens do not.

MYTH:   My religion does not support organ donation.

FACT:   Every major organized religion in the world supports organ donation (for religious views on organ donation, click here).  In fact, donation is often encouraged as an act that exemplifies a basic religious principle - that the giving of life and alleviation of pain and suffering is the highest level of spiritual generosity and love one can offer.  If you have any specific questions, you are encouraged to seek counsel from your religious advisor.

MYTH:   The donor family incurs cost for organ donation.

FACT:   Families of donors are NEVER responsible for costs relating to organ and tissue donation. Those costs are paid by the donor recovery program and later billed to the transplant center which bills the transplant recipient's insurance company.  Donor families pay only for medical costs up to the time of their loved one's death and for funeral expenses after the donation.

MYTH:   Regular open-casket funeral services are not possible following organ donation because donation will mutilate the body.

FACT:   Organ donation does not delay regular funeral or memorial services.  Organs and tissues are recovered using standard surgical procedures.  The appearance of the donor is not altered and after any tissues are recovered the body is respectfully reconstructed with prosthetics.  A normal viewing is possible.

MYTH:   I am too old or too sick to be a donor.

FACT:   Anyone can donate.  At the time of death, medical professionals will review your medical and social history and determine whether organs and tissues are useable for transplantation.  With recent advances in transplantation, many more people than ever before can be donors.  Recovery for research, therapy, and whole body donation are possible options.

MYTH:   I don't need to register to be a donor, because I have it written in my will.

FACT:   By the time your will is read, it is too late to recover your organs.  Registering online or at the DMV to be a donor and telling your family or health care proxy is the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out.

MYTH:  Organs for transplant can be bought and sold on the black market.

FACT:  In some countries an individual can sell one of his/her kidneys for transplant.  However, the selling or buying of organs for transplant is prohibited in the United States by The National Organ Transplant Act of 1984.