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Should organs or
tissues be donated?
This is a very personal decision. If appropriate, it should be
discussed in advance. Your doctor and nurse will be happy to answer
any questions you may have about this issue. Many excellent
resources are available to help with this decision. Please visit the
links listed below.
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Does the patient's
religion approve of organ donation?
Virtually all of the world's major religions recognize the life
giving value of organ and tissue donation. Please visit the links
below for detailed discussions of this topic.
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What organs can be
donated?
Transplanted human organs include heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas,
liver, and intestines. In most cases the transplant procedure is
highly successful and has great potential to save the life or
improve the quality of life of the organ recipient.
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What kind of tissues
can be donated?
Transplanted human tissues include bone, the clear covering of the
eye called the cornea, skin, heart valves, veins, cartilage and
other tissues. These tissues can be used to treat patients suffering
from a wide variety of problems including birth defects, blindness,
eye sight impairment, injuries, burns, dental defects, arthritis,
cancer, vascular and heart disease. Tissue transplantation can save
lives for some and improve the quality of life for many.
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What does it cost the
donor's family to donate organs or tissues?
There is no charge to the family of a donor. All costs related to
organ and tissue donation are paid by the recipient. Medicare or
private insurance usually covers the costs for the recipient.
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Can organs be bought
and sold in the United States?
No. Congress is appropriately concerned that buying and selling of
organs might lead to unfair access to donor organs and tissues.
Therefore, it is illegal to sell human organs and tissue (Public Law
98-507 - National Organ Transplant Act). Violators are subject to
fines and imprisonment.
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Who will get the
donated organs/tissues?
This depends upon on a number of factors including blood and tissue
typing, medical urgency, time on the organ recipient waiting list,
and geographical location of the donor and the recipient.
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What about donating the
entire body to medical science?
Medical schools, research facilities and other agencies study bodies
to improve understanding of disease mechanisms and advance medical
science. To donate the entire body, contact the facility of your
choice.
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Will organ or tissue
donations disfigure the body? Do they interfere with funeral plans?
Organ and tissue donations do not disfigure the body and do not
interfere with funeral plans, including open casket service.
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Links
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URL:
www.organdonor.gov
This governmental website, provided by the Dept. of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) and Health Resources and Services Administration
(HRSA) includes general information and frequently asked questions
(FAQ's) about organ donation.
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URL:
www.transweb.org
All about transplantation and organ donation, including religious
perspectives.
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