FAQ
Your Questions. Honest Answers.
Choosing to become an organ donor is a big decision, and it's natural to have questions.
We've answered some of the most common myths and concerns to help you make an informed choice.
If you can't find what you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.
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No, donors are needed at every age. Medical suitability is evaluated at time of death.
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No, most medical conditions do not rule out donation.
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Doctors and nurses will always try to save your life first. Patients are the priority first and foremost. In fact, no one in the hospital knows your organ donor status. Organ donation cannot be considered until someone is declared legally dead.
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There is no cost to the donor family or their estate for the donation process.
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Yes, the surgery is handled with respect and care. Donation does not mean you cannot have an open-casket funeral.
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Most major religions support organ donation as a final act of generosity and charity.
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A national system matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type and time on the list. Sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, race, income, and social status are never considered.
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Living organ donation offers another option for some transplant candidates, reducing their time on the waiting list and leading to better long-term outcomes for the recipient. Living tissue donation or birth tissue can be used to promote healing and to treat burns and painful wounds. Learn more about living donation.
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Instead of a driver's license designation, people may prefer to express their wishes through a living will or by telling their family their end of life wishes.
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Yes, regardless of the license indication, ensuring family members are aware of your wishes is considered the most crucial step.
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Small children and teenagers are waiting for hearts, lungs, or livers that require smaller, pediatric-sized organs that adult donor bodies cannot appropriately supply. Thousands of children under age 18 remain on national waiting lists for healthy kidneys, livers, and hearts. Teen donors usually have healthy, highly functional organs with fewer chronic issues.