Myths & Facts
Understanding the truth about donation helps
save lives.
Organ, tissue, eye, and birth tissue donation are often misunderstood. These myths can prevent people from registering, even though the facts tell a very different story. Southern Legacy of Life is committed to providing clear, accurate information so you can make an informed decision rooted in truth, not fear.
Myth:
If emergency room workers know that you’re an organ donor, they won’t work as hard to save you.
Fact:
Doctors’ number one priority is to save your life. Organ donation can only be considered after brain death has been declared by a physician.
Myth:
The “rich and famous” receive priority on the organ waiting list. Doctors won’t work as hard to save you.
Fact:
When patients are on the waiting list for an organ transplant, their position on that list is based on the severity of their illness, time spend waiting, blood type, and other important medical information. Social and financial status are never a factor in the process. The donor and recipient must be a match in order for donation to take place.
Myth:
Your family members can block your decision to become an organ or tissue donor, even if you are in the donor registry.
Fact:
In Arkansas, you can register as an organ and tissue donor beginning at age 16 when obtaining your driver’s license or state ID. However, if you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian makes the final decision regarding donation.
Once you turn 18, your registered decision to be a donor cannot be revoked by your family. Regardless of your age, it’s important to talk with your family about your decision so they understand your wishes.
Myth:
Only hearts, livers, and kidneys can be transplanted.
Fact:
Needed organs include the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines. Tissue that can be donated includes the eyes, skin, bone, heart valves and tendons.
Myth:
No one wants my organs; I have too many medical conditions.
Fact:
At the time of death, the appropriate medical professionals will review your medical and social histories to determine whether you can be a donor. With recent advances in transplantation, many more people than ever before can be donors.
Myth:
I’m too old to be a donor.
Fact:
People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.
Myth:
Organ donation is expensive.
Fact:
There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for organ and tissue donation. However, funeral costs remain the responsibility of the family.
Myth:
Organ donation disfigures the body and it’s not possible to have an open-casket funeral.
Fact:
Donated organs are removed surgically, in a routine operation similar to gallbladder or appendix removal. Donation does not change the appearance of the body for the funeral service.
Myth:
My religion doesn’t allow organ donation.
Fact:
All major organized religions approve of organ and tissue donation and consider it an act of charity.
Myth:
I’m afraid of being drugged and having my organs removed.
Fact:
The buying and selling of organs is illegal in the US.
Take the next step.
Your decision can save and heal lives. Join the Arkansas Donor Registry today.
