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MYTH: “I heard about a guy who went
to a party and woke up the next morning in a bathtub full of ice. His kidneys
were stolen for sale on the black market.”
TRUTH: This is one
of the first “urban legends” of organ donation. There is no documentation
of this ever happening. Due to the complexity of transplantation, piracy is
practically impossible. It is illegal to buy and sell organs in the United
States. Public Law 98-507 prohibits the sale of human organs.
MYTH:
“If I’m in an accident and medical personnel
know that I am an organ donor, they will not try to save my life.”
TRUTH: If you are injured or sick and taken
to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ donation is
considered only after all life-saving efforts have been completed.
MYTH:
“Rich and famous people get moved to the top
of the transplant list while ‘regular’ people have to wait a long time for a
transplant.”
TRUTH: The organ distribution system is blind
to celebrity, wealth or social status. The length of time it takes to receive a
transplant depends on medical factors, such as blood type, size, length of time
on the waiting list, severity of illness and other medical criteria. Factors
such as race, gender, age, or celebrity status are not considered when
determining who receives an organ transplant
MYTH:
“My religion does not approve of donation.”
TRUTH: Religious teachings encourage doing
everything possible to save a person’s life or help someone in need. Organ
and tissue donation is viewed by all major religions as a humanitarian
life-saving act to help those in need.
MYTH:
“I won’t be able to have a regular funeral if
I’m a donor.”
TRUTH: Donated organs are removed surgically,
in a routine operation similar to other operations. Donation doesn't disfigure
the body. Normal funeral arrangements including an open casket funeral are
possible. The donor is always treated with great care and respect
MYTH:
“My family will have to pay extra expenses if
I donate.”
TRUTH: A donor's family is not charged
for donation. The family pays only for medical care received before death and
for funeral expenses. If a family believes it has been billed incorrectly,
please contact the donor program.
MYTH:
“It doesn’t matter if I register to be a
donor, my family will make the final decision after I’m gone.”
TRUTH: New Mexico laws uphold your decision
to be a donor at the time of death. Your family will be informed of your
final wish to help others in need through donation. Your decision is
documented when you register to be a donor on your driver’s license or ID card
at MVD or on the Donate Life Donor Registry.
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