Common Questions about Organ Donation
There are currently people awaiting an organ transplant. Despite the lives that organ donation can save, some questions and concerns prevent individuals from registering as a potential organ donor. Understandably, most people are a bit uneasy thinking about what will happen to their bodies after they pass on, and inaccurate information about the organ donor process can further deter individuals who might otherwise consider becoming an organ donor. To set the record straight on a few common concerns and misconceptions, here are some facts that may make the decision easier.
Question: What if I’m not really dead when they sign my death certificate? How can I be sure my organs won’t be harvested before I’m dead?
Question: If I agree to be an organ donor, will I still receive the best possible medical care?
Question: Aren’t I too young/old to be an organ donor?
Answer: Individuals of all ages need donor organs; young patients often require organs that are smaller than an adult organ, so even young donors are needed. Individuals from newborn on up have successfully provided donor organs. In most states, you can register to be an organ donor prior to the age of 18; however, as is the case with all potential organ donors under 18, the parents or legal guardians would make the final determination. There is no upper age limit for organ donation.
Question: If I register as an organ donor, will I ever be able to change my mind?
Question: If I am an organ donor, will my family still be able to have an open-casket funeral? Won’t organ donation disfigure my body?
Hopefully, knowing these facts will help to make your decision about whether to become an organ donor easier. If you have further questions or would like to learn more about organ transplants and donation, you can visit the U.S. Government Information on Organ Donation and Transplantation website at www.organdonor.gov or the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) website at https://unos.org/ .
Originally published at https://nabiladam.org.
