Dispelling Common Myths
Q:
About Organ and Tissue Donation
Will my own medical care be compromised
if the hospital is aware that I have an organ
donor designation on my license?
A:
The decision to be an organ donor
will in no way affect the level of
medical care for a sick or injured
person.The team of doctors and
nurses involved in treating the
patient is not involved with the
recovery/transplant team, which
is called only after death has
occurred.
Organ and tissue donation has become a common theme in our popular culture.
Whether we are watching an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” or reading news
stories about stolen body parts, the process of organ and tissue donation and
transplantation makes its way into our consciousness. This increased awareness can
be very helpful, but it also brings greater possibility of myths and misperceptions
creeping into our decision-making process. At times, it may become difficult to
distinguish between a compelling story line and the truth; or between a criminal
activity and a common practice.
Myths and misperceptions about organ and tissue donation may also stem from
cultural beliefs, distrust of the medical establishment, or even urban legends.
For the over 5,000 New Jerseyans waiting for an organ, cutting through this
misinformation is a matter of life and death.
Q:
Does the donor’s family pay for the recovery of organs and
tissue, and can a normal funeral service be held?
A:
Do all religions support organ and tissue donation?
There is never a charge to the family of the donor for
organ recovery. All associated recovery costs are paid
by NJ Sharing Network. Organ and tissue donation
should not interfere with customary funeral plans,
including those with open casket viewings.
Q:
Is the body mutilated during the recovery of organs and
tissue?
A:
There is no marring of the body during the organ or
tissue recovery.The organs and tissue are removed with
dignity, in a sterile surgical procedure like that performed
on a living patient.
Q:
Can organ transplants be ‘bought” by the wealthy and powerful?
A:
Q:
No. Organs are computer matched according to
compatibility of donor and recipient tissue, determined
by various tests, waiting time, and the medical need of
the recipient. Social or financial data are not part of the
computer database and therefore, are not factors in the
determination of who receives an organ.
A:
Every major religion supports donation and
considers it the greatest gift a person can give.
Q:
Is there is an age limit for donation?
A:
There is no definitive age limit for organ donation.
NJ Sharing Network has successfully procured
organs from donors as young as a few days to adults
in their 90s. A patient’s medical history is more
important than the age of the donor. If a patient
has a normal functioning organ and is in good
health, then organ donation can be an option.
Q:
Do I have to renew my organ donor designation every time I
renew my driver’s license or state-issued ID?
A:
Yes. Every time you renew your license or stateissued identification card, be sure to indicate your
donor designation.You can also register online at
www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
For more information, please visit
www.NJSharingNetwork.org