Myth: "Donation will be costly to my family."
Fact: There is no cost to the donor's family for organ and tissue donation. Hospital expenses incurred before the donation in attempts to save the donor's life, and funeral expenses remain the responsibility of the donor's family. The Organ Procurement Organization pays for all costs related to donation.

Myth: "My religion doesn't allow organ and tissue donation."
Fact: Most religions throughout the world support organ and tissue donation as a humanitarian act of giving. Transplantation is consistent with the life preserving traditions of these faiths. You are encouraged to discuss donation with your religious or spiritual leader.

Myth: "I can't be a donor because I want an open casket funeral."
Fact: The donor is treated with utmost respect and dignity. The recovery of organs and tissues is conducted under standard, sterile conditions in an operating room by qualified surgeons. The process neither disfigures the body, nor changes the way it looks in a casket. No one, except the family members involved in the decision, will know about the donation.

Myth: "No one will want my organs because of my medical history. Besides I'm too old to be a donor."
Fact: At the time of death, the appropriate medical professionals will review your medical and behavioral history to determine if you are a candidate for donation. Anyone, regardless of age, can be considered for organ and tissue donation. With recent advances in transplantation, more people than ever before can donate.

Myth: "If there is not an organ match, the surgeon will take my organs and store them until they find a match."
Fact: If a match cannot be found for your organs, then they are not removed from your body. Your internal organs can only be outside of the body for a certain amount of time and there is no way to preserve them to be used later.

Myth: "I am donating my entire body to science so I will also be an organ and tissue donor."
Fact: A body that is donated for scientific research under The State Anatomical Program cannot be used for organ and tissue donation, except in the case of corneas.