| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Doctors won’t try to save me if I’m an organ donor. | Doctors always work to save every patient’s life. Donation is only considered after all life-saving efforts have ended and families are making end-of-life arrangements. One of the most common fears is that doctors won't try as hard to save you if they know you're a donor. That's not true — see the real donation process. |
| My family will have to pay. | Families never pay donation-related costs — Lifebanc covers them. |
| I’m too old or unhealthy to donate. | Age and many health conditions rarely disqualify donors. Donors have been as old as 100! |
| Donation prevents an open-casket funeral. | Donation is a respectful surgical procedure; viewings remain possible. |
| My religion forbids donation. | Nearly all major religions support organ and tissue donation as an act of love. |
| Rich or famous people get organs first. | Allocation is federally regulated and based only on medical criteria. |
| Donation delays funeral plans. | Recovery is coordinated promptly so services proceed on schedule. |
| Registering is complicated or permanent. | It takes minutes to register, and you can change your decision anytime. |
| My family won’t know anything about the recipient | Identities are confidential, but letters can be exchanged; meetings sometimes occur if both sides agree. |
| If I register my family loses all say | Registration documents your legal wishes; families are supported and informed with compassion. |
| Donating eyes changes appearance | Cornea recovery preserves appearance; reconstruction maintains a natural look. |
| Prior cancer or infection always blocks donation. | Some gifts may still be possible; clinicians decide what’s safe at the time. |
| Organ/tissue donation is the same as whole-body donation. | Organ/tissue donation saves and heals lives now; body donation supports research/education and follows different rules. |
After working through the most common myths, take a moment to read about why people choose to become donors and the impact behind each decision. Still have questions? See our frequently asked questions about donation.