As you’re reading this right now, there are more than 100,000 people in the U.S. who are waiting to receive an organ transplant, which can be life-saving. About 35,000 of those people are African American. Unfortunately, most of the individuals on that list never receive the transplant they need. While many of us are curious about becoming an organ donor, we end up changing our minds for various reasons – probably due to all the inaccurate information that’s out there. Here, we debunked some of the biggest myths about organ donation to help you determine whether becoming an organ, tissue and eye donor is right for you.
Myth #1: “I’m too young or old to donate.”
Fact: Contrary to popular belief, there’s no cutoff age for organ donation. In fact, age has nothing to do with the organ-donation process and moreso to do with your overall health.
Myth #2: “I have a previous health condition so I can’t donate.”
Fact: Believe it or not, there is only one medical condition that disqualifies a person from becoming an organ, tissue and eye donor in the U.S. What is it? HIV/AIDS. Those with other illnesses are extensively screened before they are given the green light to donate.Myth #3: “I will be charged for donating my organs.”
Fact: Let’s set the record straight once and for all: It is absolutely free to register to become an organ, tissue and eye donor.
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Myth #4: “I won’t be able to have an open casket.”
Fact: Yes, there is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made to remove the organ or tissue, but not to worry, it is then closed and dressed. Generally speaking, organ donation does not change the appearance of the body.
Myth #5: “If I become an organ, tissue and eye donor, my entire body will be donated to science when I die.”
Fact: Not true. When you become an organ and tissue donor, the rest of your body is not accepted; however, eye donors may be accepted. If you wish to donate your entire body to science, that’s great, but you must make arrangements ahead of your death.
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