Organ donation is a profound act of kindness that can offer a new, better life to support those who are critically ill. By the grace of the donors and their families, many people are given a second chance at existence every year through the generous act of organ donation. This life-saving practice is used to treat life-threatening conditions and assist many in overcoming their disabilities and, hence, restoring their health. 

Why is Organ Donation Important?

Organ donation is one of the most impactful ways to help save people’s lives. It may be the only chance for a patient’s survival and improved quality of life due to the restoration of vital functions such as heart, liver, kidney and lung functions. In the case of living donors, organ donation can lead to enhanced emotional well-being, providing a sense of fulfilment and purpose. From a scientific perspective, organ donations also advance medical research and improve transplants, leading to better results and offering the advantages of such transplants to other patient populations.

“Organ donation is a life-saving gift that can give someone a new lease on life. However, myths and misconceptions create confusion and deter many from becoming donors. Remember, one organ donor can save up to 9 lives."says Dr. Vishwanath S, HOD & Consultant - Nephrology, Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital Old Aiport Road, Bangalore. 

Debunking the Common Myths About Organ Donation

Let’s address some of the common misconceptions and put forth facts about organ donation below:

Myth 1: Doctors will not attempt to cure me as much if they know that I am an organ donor.

Fact: This is completely and utterly false. Physicians are very much confined to strict codes of ethics, and their main focus is always on prioritizing the patient's well-being. When one is critically ill, all measures to extend the person’s life are taken, and when one is certified irreversibly brain dead, then and only then is organ donation an option.

Myth 2: Only young and healthy people can donate organs.

Fact: There is no age limit for being an organ donor. Live donation is usually possible for donors from the age of 18 to 70 years old (the upper limit may be relaxed in certain circumstances), depending on the health condition of the patient. 

Myth 3: It is not suitable for my religion.

Fact: Most religions endorse or encourage organ transplantation and sign it as an act of benevolence.

Myth 4: Due to my medical history, I will not be able to donate my organs.

Fact: Certain medical conditions may disqualify someone from organ donation; however, many with medical histories can still be considered as donors. More specifically, the determination of whether an organ is appropriate for transplant or not is made during the assessment, depending on several factors. 

Myth 5: The rich or the famous get privileges from the organ transplant list.

Fact: All patients are evaluated based on their medical needs and their place in the waiting list. Factors like blood type, body size, distance from the donor, medical urgency, and time on the waiting list are crucial in organ allocation; however, the system is designed to be fair and equitable. There is no preferential treatment based on personal wealth or social status.

Myth 6: My family will be charged if I donate my organs.

Fact: The donor's family is not charged for anything concerning organ or tissue donation. The hospital finances all the donations of all types and sorts through the organ procurement program.

Myth 7: People think that because they are organ donors, their funerals might be postponed.

Fact: Organ donation does not take much time compared to the arrangements that are made at a funeral. This process is usually completed within a period of 1 to 2 days after the death of the individual.

Myth 8: If I'm in a coma, the hospital might take my organs.

Fact: Coma and brain death are two distinct medical conditions. Coma is a state of unconsciousness, while brain death is a permanent and irreversible condition where the brain no longer functions. Only after a person has been declared brain-dead by a team of medical professionals can organ donation be considered.