Several myths about organ donation create doubts in potential donors' minds. These myths create false impressions and in doing so cause some potential donors to withhold consent to organ donation.

The Second Chance Foundation exists to educate the public on organ and tissue donation and help to dispel some of the misconceptions about donating organs and tissues.

Myth: Doctors will let me die if they know I am an organ donor.

Fact:  The doctors who treat incoming patients are not aware of who is             registered to be an organ donor. It is not until brain death occurs
            that  the issue of organ donation becomes a consideration. The
           organ donation team is not involved in the emergency care treatment.

Myth: I am too old / not old enough to be an organ donor.

Fact:   Age is not a factor. It is the health of the organs at the time of death
            that determines whether they can be transplanted. Tissue donation
            may be possible even when organ donation is not possible.

Myth: It is against my religion.

Fact:  Only the Shinto religion and the Gypsy culture prohibit organ donation.            All other religions either actively support organ donation as a loving
           gift or it leaves the decision to the individual family.

Myth: I can't afford to be an organ donor.

Fact:  All cost related to organ and tissue donation (such as the cost of
           recovery) are paid for by Medicare. There is no cost to the donor or
           the donor family.

Myth: My body will be disfigured.

Fact:  A donor's body is restored after the organs have been recovered in
           the same manner as if a regular surgery had been performed.

Myth: People can recover from brain death.

Fact: People can recover from comas, but not brain death. Coma and brain
          death are not the same. Brain death is final.

Myth: Minorities should refuse to donate because organ distribution
            discriminates by race.

Fact: Organs are matched by factors, including blood and tissue typing,
           which can vary by race. Patients are more likely to find matches
           among donors of their same race and ethnicity.

Myth: The rich and famous get preferential treatment.

Fact: The computerized matching system does not select recipients
           based on fame or wealth. Organs are anonymously matched
           by blood typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time
           and geographic location.

Myth: Organs are sold, with enormous profits going to the medical
            community.

Fact: Federal law prohibits the buying and selling of organs in the United
           States. Violators are punishable by fines and/or prison term.

Myth: Marrow donation is painful.

  Fact: Marrow donors do not feel pain when the marrow is removed because           anesthesia is used. Soreness and/or stiffness may be felt for a week
          or so post - donation.

About Myths:

Some Common Myths:

              Second Chance Foundation
              of Nevada

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Myths About Organ Donation