FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ORGAN DONATION


1) WHO CAN DONATE AN ORGAN ?

Almost anyone could be an organ donor. There is no real age limit where an individual is not considered an organ donor. Donors under the age of 18 years would need the consent of a parent to be able to donate.

2) I AM A REGISTERED DONOR. IS THAT ENOUGH ?

No, even if you are a registered donor on your driver’s license, your state’s donor registry or a donor card, your next of kin could still refuse to move forward with organ donation at the time of your death. Please make sure you talk to your family and let them know of your wishes to be an organ donor or by putting this information in your will or any other legal document.

3) I AM NOT IN GOOD HEALTH. COULD I STILL BE AN ORGAN DONOR?

Yes. Almost every donor has to go through extensive testing before they can be considered suitable for donation. If tests show that you have advanced cancer or a severe infection, you may not be an appropriate candidate for donation. This will be determined by the treating physicians and the rest of the team.

4) AFTER DONATION, COULD I STILL HAVE AN OPEN CASKET FUNERAL?

Yes. After organ donation, all incisions are surgically closed and the body is suitable for clothing and hence is appropriate for open casket funeral.

5) WILL FUNERAL COSTS BE COVERED AFTER ORGAN DONATION?

No, the funeral costs are the family’s responsibility.

6) COULD I REGISTER TO DONATE A SINGLE ORGAN AFTER MY DEATH?

Yes, you could choose to give as many organs or tissues you want for donation.

7) WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE MEDICAL EXPENSES IF I CHOSE TO BECOME
A LIVING DONOR ?

No, the entire health care related expenditure is covered by the recipient’s insurance or the recipient himself.