Pros & Cons of Organ Donation

Some people become uncomfortable when talking about being an organ donor. It is important to realize that being a post-mortem donor can have immense impact on the family of the deceased, as well as give hope to the recipient.

Pros of Organ Donation

• Being an organ donor not only helps the recipient, but it helps the family of the organ donor to come to terms with their tragic loss. Not only can organs be donated, but hundreds of recipients every month receive tissue, stem cells and blood as well.

Cons of Organ Donation

• The major cons of organ donation lie in compatibility of the donor with a recipient. Many times this is only an obstacle in live donation rather than post-mortem donation. With the large number of individuals on the waiting list for organ donation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that an average of 19 people die each day due to a shortage of organs.

Misconceptions of Organ Donation

• The main misconception of organ donation lies in cost. The recipient bears all cost of the procedure. Many fear that doctors will not work as hard to save their life if they plan to be a donor, but the transplant staff is completely separate from the medical doctors whose main goal is to save a life.

Impact of Organ Donation

• According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one organ and tissue donor can affect the lives of more than 50 people.

How to Become an Organ Donor

• There are four ways to express a desire to become an organ donor. First of all, many states have a donor registry, or the decision can be designated when renewing your driver's license. Another option is to print a donor card from the Organ Donor website. The most important step is informing a family member that you wish to be an organ donor, because he will have the final say.