There is a severe organ shortage in the US, resulting in over 94,000 individuals on the waiting list nationwide; in New Jersey alone, there are over 4,200 individuals waiting for a life-saving transplant. Yet many Americans decide against donation because of misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation. Base your decision to say "YES" to organ and tissue donation on the facts, not on myths and misconceptions.

Myth: Doctors may not work as hard to save your life if they know you are an organ donor.

Fact: This is a very common fear. However, this isn't possible because of the checks and balances built into the system. If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the doctors' only job is to save your life. Emergency Room doctors and nurses are not involved in the transplant process, and are not affiliated with the team of surgeons who perform organ transplants. Organ transplants can only occur after blood and tissue testing is done in order to match donors and recipients; this is not done by doctors when you enter the hospital. Donation is only considered after death is declared by two doctors. Decisions about who receives organs are overseen by the United Network for Organ Sharing, which ensures that the system is fair and equitable.

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Myth: Organ donation is against my religion.

Fact: All major religions have issued statements that either express support for organ donation or state that organ donation is a matter of individual conscience and is not contradicted by scripture. Religious leaders have come to agree that the opportunity to save the life of another human being is more important than injunctions against removing organs. If you have further questions or concerns about your religion's views regarding organ donation, speak to your spiritual advisor about it.

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Myth: Rich or famous people get moved up the waiting list because of their status.

Fact: This myth is a product of the media publicity that rich, famous people receive when they get a transplant. The media simply do not cover the thousands of stories of ordinary people who receive transplants each year. People receive transplants based on several criteria: the severity of illness, time spent on the waiting list, blood type, and other important medical information. Medical status is the only thing considered when someone is on the waiting list, not financial or celebrity status.

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Myth: Organs can be bought and sold on the black market in the U.S.

Fact: There is no black market in the U.S. This myth is propagated by the media in TV shows and Hollywood movies. These fictional accounts do not reflect what is occurring in the United States. The United Network for Organ Sharing is a non-profit, scientific and educational organization that facilitates organ transplantation in order to ensure a fair and equitable system.

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Myth: Your history of medical illness makes you ineligible to become a donor.

Fact: People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. When the time comes, the appropriate medical professionals will review your medical and social histories to determine whether or not you can be a donor. With recent advances in transplantation, many more people can be donors, despite medical illness and age. Medical professionals will be better able to determine how healthy and viable your organs are and if you can be a donor.

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Myth: If you become an organ donor, your family will be responsible for more medical bills.

Fact: There is no additional cost to the donor's family for organ donation. They will only be responsible for the medical bills associated with your hospital care, not with organ donation. Bills associated with organ transplantation are paid by the insurance company of the recipient, not your family.

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Myth: Organ donors can't have open-casket funerals.

Fact: Donated organs are removed surgically in a routine operation. The body is handled with the utmost respect and does not result in disfigurement. Donation does not change the appearance of the body for the funeral service. Being a donor does not preclude an open-casket funeral.

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Myth: Only hearts, livers, and kidneys can be transplanted.

Fact: Needed organs include the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines. Tissue that can also be donated include the eyes, skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons. Organ and tissue donation can save the lives of up to 50 people! Organ and tissue donation can help individuals affected with a range of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, severe burns, blindness, and many others.

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