20 Organ donation and transplantation, frequently asked questions
Description
This article is from the Organ Transplant FAQ, by mike_holloway@hotmail.com (Michael Holloway) with numerous contributions by others.
20 Organ donation and transplantation, frequently asked questions
contributed by Alex Bost, alex@unx.sas.com
*** Commonly Asked Questions About Being an Organ Donor:
- Where can I get an Organ Donor Card?
Many organizations, including the NKF and AAKP will provide donor
cards free of charge. Many physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals will
also provide them.
[Free cards and pamphlets also available from (800)24-DONOR]
- Should I mention being an Organ Donor in my Will?
No. Your will may be read too late to take your organs. However,
you should definitely mention Organ Donation in your Living Will.
- What is a Living Will?
A Living Will is a document where you stipulate what kind of medical
attention you will receive if you are unable to make decisions for
yourself. You may state your wish to become an organ donor in a Living
Will.
- Who pays for the medical costs of being a donor?
The transplant recipient is responsible for all costs involved in
organ procurement. The donor's family will not pay any of the cost.
- Does organ donation disrupt funeral arangements?
No. Organ donation will not disfigure the body. A donor may still
have an "open casket" funeral.
- Will becoming a donor mean a doctor will let me die?
Absolutely not! Medical personnel must follow very strict guidelines
before a donor can be pronounced dead. You can expect the same quality
of health care as you would if you weren't a donor.
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The following was written by Anne Treffeisen of the Long Island Chapter
of TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization)
(516-421-3258). The last week of April is National Organ
and Tissue Donor Awareness Week (NOTDAW). She asks that pastors or
rabbis include mention of the gift of life in their sermon or bulletin
during this week and provides this message as a guide.
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