Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there additional costs associated with donation?

2. Will organ donation disfigure the body or interfere with open-casket viewing?

3. What about the unfair or unethical practices we hear about everyday?

4. Will a doctor let me die if they know my organs are needed?

5. Will my religion permit organ donation?

6. Who gives permission for donation?

7. Am I too old or too young for donation?

8. Can I (or my family) specify which organs are donated?

9. Is the need for organs and tissue really that great?

10. Will the recipient contact my family?

1. Are there additional costs associated with donation?
Once a qualified physician pronounces brain death and the patient is considered a donor by the outlined process, all costs associated with the donation process are the responsibility of the Organ Procurement Organization.
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2. Will organ donation disfigure the body or interfere with open-casket viewing?
No. The donor's body is surgically closed and reconstructed just as in normal, general surgery. Any of the donations will not hinder an open-casket viewing.
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3. What about the unfair or unethical practices we hear about everyday?
There is a national Organ Procurement and Transplant Network that monitors and regulates organ distribution. It is also illegal to buy and sell organs in the United States . There is so much involved with successful organ donation and transplantation that it is almost impossible for a rogue group of so-called black market organ distributions to exist. There is also quite a bit of post transplant medical evaluations and maintenance that is necessary to ensure the survival of the recipient that would hinder anyone from “buying” a black-market organ in the first place.
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4. Will a doctor let me die if they know my organs are needed?
NO. This is probably the most frequent reason for not donating that is expressed. First of all, the doctors and nurses responsible for your care generally do not know if your organs are viable for transplant or even who will be the potential recipient. The national Organ Procurement and Transplant Network maintains the recipient waiting list. The OPOs perform the evaluations of potential organs. Secondly, it is the first priority of a doctor or nurse to save YOUR life, not take it for the benefit of others. No, this is completely a myth.
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5. Will my religion permit organ donation?
All major religions view organ donation as an individual humanitarian choice. If the issue of donation is important to you and your family, it is suggested that you discuss it with your church long before the option to donate is presented.
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6. Who gives permission for donation?
The Uniform Gift Act of 1987 provides the following order of priority of who may authorize a donation.
•  Spouse of the potential donor
•  Adult son or daughter of the potential donor
•  Parent of the potential donor
•  Adult brother or sister of the potential donor
•  Grandparent of the potential donor
•  Legal guardian of the potential donor at the time of death
•  The person or persons responsible for final disposition of the body

It is highly suggested that you discuss your wishes with your family now so that confusion regarding your wishes are reduced or even eliminated at the time the approach for donation occurs.
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7. Am I too old or too young for donation?
Very few people are too old or young for donations. Medical professionals with the OPOs will evaluate each case and determine organ viability and suitability.
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8. Can I (or my family) specify which organs are donated?
Yes. During the consent process, your family may specify which organs and/or tissue may be recovered.
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9. Is the need for organs and tissue really that great? According to statistics, there are over 71,000 waiting for transplants in the United States alone. It is also determined that a new person is added to the list about every 16 minutes. Yes, the need is that great.
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10. Will the recipient contact my family?
There are no laws prohibiting this, however, all OPOs have policies in place that govern the contact between donor families and recipient families. Generally, the OPO regulations will specify a time frame and guidelines for communication. You can contact your local OPO for more information.
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