Learn the Facts
Knowledge is power! When you have the facts about organ and tissue donation you can make a personal decision about donation that’s right for you. Below are frequently asked questions, organized by topic.
The Need
The Process
- What can be donated?
- Should my age or health condition affect my decision to be a donor?
- Will my family have to pay for the cost of my organ and/or tissue donation?
- Will my body look different if I donate my organs and tissues?
- Does my religion support organ and tissue donation?
- How are organs distributed to patients waiting for organ transplants?
- If I have donor marked on my driver’s license and I am admitted to a hospital, will they let me die so they can recover my organs?
- Is there a “black market” for organs in the United States?
- Do the rich and famous have a better chance of receiving a transplant?
- Will the identity of the organ donor be revealed to the transplant recipient?
- Why should minorities be especially concerned?
Taking Action
The Need
How serious is the organ shortage?
The need for organs continues to grow at an alarming rate and is truly a public health crisis. There are close to 100,000 men, women, and children in the United States waiting for a life-saving transplant. More than 2,500 of these individuals live in the Upper Midwest. Every 13 minutes another name is added to the national waiting list, and each day 17 people die while they wait for their transplant.
What are the benefits of organ and tissue donation?
Families of individuals who extend the gift of life often find that donation helps them through their grieving process. One person can save or enhance up to 60 lives through organ and tissue donation.
The Process
Organs: Heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, liver and intestines.
Tissue: Corneas, skin, veins, tendons, bone, bone marrow, heart valves and connective tissue.
Should my age or health condition affect my decision to be a donor?
No. While medical history and age are factors, most people can donate. People with diabetes, hepatitis, and cancer sometimes can donate their organs. The only individuals who cannot donate are those who test positive for the HIV virus.
Will my family have to pay for the cost of my organ and/or tissue donation?
There is no cost to the donor family for donation. All expenses related to organ and tissue donation are assumed by LifeSource and passed on to the transplant recipients and their health insurers.
Will my body look different if I donate my organs and tissues?
Donation is a surgical procedure. As in any other medical procedure, the body is treated with great respect and dignity. Donation does not prevent an open-casket funeral service.
Does my religion support organ and tissue donation?
All major religions support organ and tissue donation as one of the highest forms of loving, giving and caring – the principles upon which all religions are based. Religious views on donation.
How are organs distributed to patients waiting for organ transplants?
Every person waiting for an organ transplant is registered with UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing. The organ procurement organization works with UNOS to fairly allocate organs based upon medical urgency, genetic matching and length of time waiting.
If I have donor marked on my driver’s license and I am admitted to a hospital, will they let me die so they can recover my organs?
No. The first responsibility of medical professionals is to save lives, and every effort will be made to save your life before donation is considered. Organ and tissue donation is an option only after all life-saving measures have failed.
Is there a “black market” for organs in the United States?
No. It is illegal to buy or sell human organs and tissues in the United States (Anatomical Gift Act of 1968). In addition, every organ and tissue donation and transplant is reviewed by a national governing body. Strict regulations prevent any type of "black market" from existing in the United States.
Do the rich and famous have a better chance of receiving a transplant?
Eligibility to receive an organ transplant is not determined by a person's financial status or celebrity. After a patient has been determined to be a medically-suitable candidate for an organ transplant, their name is added to the national computer waiting list.
Will the identity of the organ donor be revealed to the transplant recipient?
The identities of both the recipient and the donor family are confidential. The LifeSource coordinator sends a letter to the donor family informing them about the organ recipients such as their age and sex, and how their health has improved. Some donor families and recipients correspond anonymously. On occasion, when both sides wish to correspond directly or meet, LifeSource will help facilitate the communication or meeting.
Why should minorities be especially concerned?
Some diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver are found more frequently in racial and ethnic minority populations. Transplantation between people who are strong genetic matches is generally more successful. Recipients have a better chance of finding a match from their same racial group. Approximately 50 percent of all people on the waiting list are minorities while only 25 percent of all donors are minorities.
Taking Action
How do I become an organ and tissue donor?
Marking your intentions on your driver's license or state ID card will ensure that your wishes are fulfilled. In Minnesota, residents can also register online by visiting www.DonateLifeMN.org. Both options are legal authorization for donation. Talk with your family about your decision so they can be prepared to support and honor your wishes.
What if I haven’t documented my donation decision?
In the absence of known donor designation, LifeSource will seek authorization for donation from the next-of-kin. Therefore, it is extremely important that you share your wishes with your family as they can ensure that your wishes are fulfilled.
