Common Myths
Myth: “Medical professionals will not save my life if they see the pink dot on my driver’s license. They will let me die so they can take my organs and tissues.”
Fact: Medical professionals are dedicated to saving the lives of the patients in front of them. In all cases, the medical professionals treating you in an emergency situation are not involved in organ/tissue donation or transplantation. Their goal is to save your life, period.
Myth: “I have a chronic medical condition (i.e. cancer, diabetes, etc.) and I am not in the best of health so I know you won’t want my organs.”
Fact: Suitability for organ and tissue donation is made after a person has passed away. We ask people to make the decision based on whether they would like to be an organ/tissue donor and not to rule themselves out.
Myth: “Donation is against my religion.”
Fact: All major religions support organ and tissue donation as a personal choice and the most compassionate act. Please see our section on Religious Views.
Myth: “I can’t be a blood or bone marrow donor. Doesn’t that automatically rules me out as an organ donor too.”
Fact: Organ and tissue donation criteria are very different from that of blood and bone marrow donation. One does not rule the other out.
Myth: “If I am an organ donor, I won’t be able to have an open casket funeral.”
Fact: The donor’s body is always treated with respect and dignity. Clothing worn by the donor during funeral services will cover any signs of organ and tissue recovery.
Myth: “Rich and famous people are able to get transplants sooner than the rest of us.”
Fact: Organs are allocated based on the urgency of medical need, not according to a patient's financial, political, social or celebrity status. The length of time it takes to receive a transplant is based on medical criteria such as blood type, height and weight, and time spent waiting. The most important factor that affects length of time waiting is a lack of organ donors.
Myth: “There is a black market for organs in the United States.”
Fact: It is illegal to buy or sell an organ in the United States. Placing organs with waiting recipients requires an extensive medical history from the donor which concerns the long term health of the transplant recipient. Physicians would not risk the health of their patients nor their own integrity by compromising the system in place nationally.
Myth: “I’m too old to be a donor.”
Fact: Age is not a barrier to registering as an organ/tissue donor. Don’t rule yourself out.
Myth: “My family can’t pay for all of the medical expenses of the donation.”
Fact: There is no cost to your family for donation. The California Transplant Donor Network covers the costs of the donation procedures. You (or your insurance company) are responsible for hospital expenses prior to your death. Your next-of-kin or estate are responsible for the funeral expenses.