Myths & Facts

Donation Process

BE A HERO

Ways to register.

Become an organ, eye and tissue donor today.

Visit the BMV
Say “YES” when you receive or renew your driver’s license or state identification card.

Enroll by Mail
Complete and send in the Donor Registry Form.

Myth: If doctors know I'm a donor, they won't try to save me.

Fact: Doctors save lives.

It's a fact that if doctors were to do less, in any circumstance, he or she would likely lose their medical license. When a person is taken to a hospital, doctors aren't concerned about registry status and have nothing to do with the donation process. In fact, hospital personnel don't have access to the donor registry - only organ procurement organization does.

Myth: I'm too old to donate.

Fact: You can donate at any age.

You're never too old to save a life through donation. A 92-year-old man donated his liver and saved the life of a 62-year-old. Also, you don't have to wait until you're 18 to register to give the gift of life. Ohioans can register as donors when they receive their Temporary Instruction Permit at age 15.5, though a guardian may revoke or amend a registration at the time of death.

Myth: My religion doesn't allow donation

Fact: Religions Support donation.

Most religions, including Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam and the four major branches of Judaism support organ, eye, and tissue donation as a selfless gift of charity. If you have any questions about your faith and how it relates to your status as a donor, consult a member of your clergy.

Myth: Donation will cost my family money.

Fact: Giving the gift of life is free.

A donor's family will not be charged for any medical cost associated with donation. All costs are incurred by the organ/tissue recovery agency.

Myth: I'm not healthy enough to be a donor.

Fact: Medical conditions shouldn't concern you.

Pre-existing medical conditions shouldn't keep you from registering as a donor. You might not be able to donate all eight organs, but any donation could help to save and enhance the lives of others. With medical technology constantly advancing, it's important to let the doctor decide what organs and tissues can be transplanted.

Myth: People make money by selling their organs.

Fact: It's illegal to buy or sell organs.

Organs are not sold between hospitals, medical professionals or independent salespeople. United States federal law prohibits the buying and selling of organs. Violators can face jail time and fines.

About Donate Life Ohio

Donate Life Ohio is a coalition of the state's organ, eye and tissue recovery agencies dedicated to educating Ohioans about the need for organ, eye and tissue donation and motivating them to join the Ohio Donor Registry.

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Donate Life Ohio Resources

Get more information on how you can support donation via speakers, materials, helpful links and more.