The reasons for that disparity are complex. They include not wanting to plan for death, squeamishness about having the body carved up post-mortem, religious objections, unexpected death from an accident or perhaps ignorance of the need. Whatever the reason, it is a real issue in the medical community, and it is a difficult one to confront for families, clergy and others.
About 6,500 people per year in need of livers, hearts, kidneys or other vital organs die before a suitable donor becomes available. Most donations come from the deceased, so an organ donor card is the only way for many medical facilities to know your post-death wishes. There are about 6,000 donations per year from healthy people donating a kidney or other replaceable organ, but that’s a small percentage of the need.
Common Misconceptions about Organ Donation
Many more people would consider donating an organ, medical professionals feel, if they truly understood the purpose of the generous decision. But the misinformation, superstitions and rumors surrounding organ donation must be dispelled.
Here are some common questions and answers about organ donation.
CONCERN: Organ donors are not given the same quality of care as those who do not agree to donate.