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Yesterday, my ten-year-old son asked me if his thirteen-year-old sister, E, might die before she turns twenty. Why he chose age twenty, I don't know. Fortunately, we got interrupted before I had to answer, because I didn't want to lie, and I was loath to give him the brutally honest answer--yes--especially with E standing there. In our household, we talk of E's future liver transplant as something that will happen, it's just a matter of when. The truth is, approximately nineteen people die in the USA every day awaiting an organ transplant.
So why aren't more people donating their organs when they die? Let's look at a few reasons, and my responses to them:
(All answers below are in regards to donating organs at death.)
If I have an organ donor card, the doctors might let me die because they need my organs. OR I might just be in a coma and could wake up.
Definite myths. For the doctors treating you, you are the highest priority. Everything will be attempted to save you. Organ donation will only be considered if you are brain dead. And as for the possibility that you could still "wake up", there's a vast difference between being in a coma and being brain dead. Organs are only taken from brain dead patients, not ones in comas. Read more here about medical ethics and organ donation.
My religion prohibits it.
Unless you practicism Shintoism, this one is probably a myth. Almost all major world religions support it. Judaism considers it a mitzvah chiyuvit, an obligatory mitzvah. Pope Benedict XVI carries an organ donor card. Buddhism considers it an act of generosity, as do Hinduism and Islam.
I want an open casket funeral.
You can. Any suturing from organ removal will be hidden by the clothing you are dressed in. And if you are really concerned, fill out an organ donor card stating what you are, and what you aren't willing to donate.
The medical procedure will cost my family money.
Myth. The donor and his/her family do not pay for any of the costs associated with organ removal.
It just feels "icky".
One organ donor could potentially save the life of eight people and improve the quality of life for many others. Eight people. Think about it. Through one act of generosity, you could save the lives of eight people. This is your chance to be a hero, no superhero cape or magic wand required. Doesn't getting to be a hero trump feeling "icky"? And think a little closer to home. Wouldn't your family and friends gain comfort by knowing something good came out of losing you?
I already have an organ donor card, so I don't need to do more.
Another myth. In the USA, at least, the decision whether or not to allow organ donation is left in the hands of the next-of-kin to the deceased. You may have an organ donor card, but if mom, or hubby, or son, or whoever doesn't feel comfortable with donating your organs, he/she can say "no". Sadly, many do say "no" just because they don't know what their loved one's wishes would have been, and they don't want to say "yes" unless they are certain it's what the deceased would have wanted. If you have an organ donor card in your wallet, it will help your family with the decision, but who can guarantee that it will be found in time? So discuss it! Tell everyone that you wish to be an organ donor, and that you think it's the right thing to do. Not only will it make it far more likely that your wishes are carried out, but it might make a few more converts to the cause.
So why aren't more people donating their organs when they die? Let's look at a few reasons, and my responses to them:
(All answers below are in regards to donating organs at death.)
If I have an organ donor card, the doctors might let me die because they need my organs. OR I might just be in a coma and could wake up.
Definite myths. For the doctors treating you, you are the highest priority. Everything will be attempted to save you. Organ donation will only be considered if you are brain dead. And as for the possibility that you could still "wake up", there's a vast difference between being in a coma and being brain dead. Organs are only taken from brain dead patients, not ones in comas. Read more here about medical ethics and organ donation.
My religion prohibits it.
Unless you practicism Shintoism, this one is probably a myth. Almost all major world religions support it. Judaism considers it a mitzvah chiyuvit, an obligatory mitzvah. Pope Benedict XVI carries an organ donor card. Buddhism considers it an act of generosity, as do Hinduism and Islam.
I want an open casket funeral.
You can. Any suturing from organ removal will be hidden by the clothing you are dressed in. And if you are really concerned, fill out an organ donor card stating what you are, and what you aren't willing to donate.
The medical procedure will cost my family money.
Myth. The donor and his/her family do not pay for any of the costs associated with organ removal.
It just feels "icky".
One organ donor could potentially save the life of eight people and improve the quality of life for many others. Eight people. Think about it. Through one act of generosity, you could save the lives of eight people. This is your chance to be a hero, no superhero cape or magic wand required. Doesn't getting to be a hero trump feeling "icky"? And think a little closer to home. Wouldn't your family and friends gain comfort by knowing something good came out of losing you?
I already have an organ donor card, so I don't need to do more.
Another myth. In the USA, at least, the decision whether or not to allow organ donation is left in the hands of the next-of-kin to the deceased. You may have an organ donor card, but if mom, or hubby, or son, or whoever doesn't feel comfortable with donating your organs, he/she can say "no". Sadly, many do say "no" just because they don't know what their loved one's wishes would have been, and they don't want to say "yes" unless they are certain it's what the deceased would have wanted. If you have an organ donor card in your wallet, it will help your family with the decision, but who can guarantee that it will be found in time? So discuss it! Tell everyone that you wish to be an organ donor, and that you think it's the right thing to do. Not only will it make it far more likely that your wishes are carried out, but it might make a few more converts to the cause.