Todayâs health news concerns a very important health issue: organ donation. The month of April is National Donate Life Monthâso itâs a perfect time to consider your thoughts on this matter. Have you made a decision to become an organ donor? Are you still undecided? Here are some sobering statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
* Over 100,000 people are waiting for an organ right now
* 18 people will die each day waiting for an organ
* One organ donor can save up to eight lives
Many people struggle with the decision to become an organ donor. Itâs an important decision that can affect your family and friends at a very difficult timeâand thatâs why itâs vital to be prepared if the time comes when you donât expect it.
Letâs take a few moments to dispel some of the roadblocks that get in the way of becoming an organ donor.
PLUS: The latest news on bone marrow transplants
Am I Too Old?
Anyone can sign up to become an organ donor. It doesnât matter how old you are or what your medical history is. You are never too old to donate.
Whatâs the Ethical Dilemma?
Many people shy away from organ donation for ethical reasons. These people think that organ donation will interfere with religious beliefs or traditions regarding the body and its sacredness. But the truth is, most major religions support organ donation. They do this because organ donation is seen as an act of compassion, love, and generosity towards others. It is the ultimate gift.
How Much Does it Cost to Become an Organ Donor?
Some people mistakenly think that their families will be charged a fee for organ or tissue donation. This is not true. Organ donation is a gift and is received in kind.
How Complicated is Becoming an Organ Donor?
Itâs easy to sign up to become an organ donor. All you have to do is sign up in your stateâs donor registry. Simply enter your name, your address, your ethnicity, and your age and then check the appropriate boxes for organ donation. You can choose to donate any needed organs or tissues or you can specify limitations. You can finish registering by deciding whether or not you want to give consent for any organs or tissues to be placed for medical research or educational purposes.
You can also check off your intention to be an organ donor on your driverâs license. You may want to tell your family, friends, doctor, or spiritual leader about your decision to be an organ donor.
Finallyâ¦
Making the decision to become an organ donor shouldnât be taken lightly. But if youâre comfortable with organ donation, then you can save someoneâs life when the time comes. Check out your governmentâs organ donation website and read the testimonies of people who are recipients and have been given a second chance at life.
Source(s) for Todayâs Article:
âDonate the Gift of Life,â U.S. Government Information on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation web site; http://www.organdonor.gov/index.html