[url]http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/consumer-health/in-depth/organ-donation/art-20047529[/url] [quote] Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ donation. Unfortunately, many may never get the call saying that a suitable donor organ — and a second chance at life — has been found. It can be hard to think about what's going to happen to your body after you die, let alone donating your organs and tissue. But being an organ donor is a generous and worthwhile decision that can be a lifesaver. If you've never considered organ donation or delayed becoming a donor because of possibly inaccurate information, here are answers to some common organ donation myths and concerns. Myth: If I agree to donate my organs, the hospital staff won't work as hard to save my life. [b]Fact: When you go to the hospital for treatment, doctors focus on saving your life — not somebody else's.[/b] You'll be seen by a doctor whose specialty most closely matches your particular emergency. Myth: Maybe I won't really be dead when they sign my death certificate. Fact: Although it's a popular topic in the tabloids, in reality, people don't start to wiggle their toes after they're declared dead. In fact, people who have agreed to organ donation are given more tests (at no charge to their families) to determine that they're truly dead than are those who haven't agreed to organ donation. [b]Myth: Organ donation is against my religion. Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most major religions. This includes Roman Catholicism, Islam, most branches of Judaism and most Protestant faiths. If you're unsure of or uncomfortable with your faith's position on donation, ask a member of your clergy.[/b] Myth: I'm under age 18. I'm too young to make this decision. Fact: That's true, in a legal sense. But your parents can authorize this decision. You can express to your parents your wish to donate, and your parents can give their consent knowing that it's what you wanted. Children, too, are in need of organ transplants, and they usually need organs smaller than those an adult can provide. Myth: An open-casket funeral isn't an option for people who have donated organs or tissues. Fact: Organ and tissue donation doesn't interfere with having an open-casket funeral. The donor's body is clothed for burial, so there are no visible signs of organ or tissue donation. For bone donation, a rod is inserted where bone is removed. With skin donation, a very thin layer of skin similar to a sunburn peel is taken from the donor's back. Because the donor is clothed and lying on his or her back in the casket, no one can see any difference. [/quote]