If a person is considering organ donation, weighing the pros against the cons of the procedure is an important step in making a final decision. Many myths surround organ donation. MayoClinic.com dispels several of the myths, stating that a donor can have an open casket funeral, a person can donate organs when over age 60, and the only person to incur costs from the transplant is the transplant recipient -- not the donor or the donor's family. A consultation with a medical professional can help potential donors dismiss the myths and understand the real risks involved.
Religious Beliefs
Depending on the organ donor's religious or spiritual beliefs, the donor's church or religion may not support organ donation. Many religious organizations -- such as the Catholic, Christian and Baptist churches -- support organ donation, believing that donating organs is a compassionate and selfless act, according to the national OrganDonor website. Muslims, Buddhists and all four branches of Judaism also encourage and support donating organs. Religions such as Shinto are against organ donation because of the belief that the surgery involved with removing the organs damages the body; the Shinto believe a dead body is dangerous and should not be altered.
Risk of Complications
If the donor is alive while undergoing the surgery to remove the organ, the donor may experience complications during or after the surgery, according to the website Transplant Living. The donor may encounter issues such as blood clots, infections or pain. Death is a risk all donors take by undergoing the surgery; they face risk of complications such as hemorrhaging or an allergic reaction to anesthesia. In the long term, donors may be more susceptible to diseases or complications such as kidney failure, pancreatitis or hypertension.
Psychological Issues
During and after the donation process, a donor may experience anxiety or depression. The donor may feel responsible if the transplant is unsuccessful or if the recipient of the transplant encounters complications or dies during or after the surgery. The donor may also experience anxiety from thinking about who is receiving the organ if the donation is anonymous. The donor may worry that the transplant recipient will not share the same religion, ideals or morals. The combination of a psychologist's help and support from family and friends may ease anxiety and depression for the donor before, during and after the procedure.
