Organ donation: 5 myths you need to stop believing, according to a transplant specialist

Organ donation remains one of the most meaningful acts of generosity. A single donor can save multiple lives through the donation of organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and pancreas, while also restoring sight and improving quality of life through tissue donation.

Yet, despite advances in transplant medicine and growing awareness, misconceptions continue to discourage families from saying yes to organ donation.

Dr Neerav Goyal, Senior Consultant and Head of Liver Transplant Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, emphasises that understanding the facts is key to building trust.

"Organ donation is a highly regulated and ethically governed process. Much of the hesitation we see comes from myths that can be easily addressed with the right information,” says Dr Goyal.

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Myth 1: Organ donation can take place without the family's consent

One of the most common concerns is that organs may be taken without the family’s knowledge or approval. In reality, this is not how the system works.

"Organ donation does not happen automatically. Even if a person has pledged to donate, the family’s consent is essential before the process can proceed,” explains Dr Goyal.

Healthcare teams speak with the family, explain the medical and legal procedures and ensure that consent is obtained in a transparent and respectful manner.

"This is why it is so important to discuss your wishes with your loved ones. When families are aware, they are better prepared to honour those decisions,” he adds.

Myth 2: A person in a coma can be considered for organ donation

There is often confusion between coma and brain stem death, leading to fear and misunderstanding.

"Coma and brain stem death are not the same. A person in a coma still has some brain function and may recover, whereas brain stem death is complete and irreversible,” says Dr Goyal.

In India, brain stem death is legally recognised as death and must be confirmed through strict clinical protocols.

"Organ donation is considered only after brain stem death has been certified by an authorised medical board. No patient in a coma is considered for organ donation,” he clarifies.

Myth 3: Organ donation leaves the body disfigured or prevents traditional last rites

Concerns about dignity and funeral practices often influence decisions around donation.

"Organ retrieval is performed with the same care and precision as any major surgery. The body is treated with utmost respect throughout the process,” states Dr Goyal.

Surgeons ensure that incisions are properly closed and there is no visible disfigurement.

"Families can still view their loved one and perform all customary funeral rites, including cremation or burial, without any interference,” he reassures.

Myth 4: Only young and perfectly healthy people can become organ donors

Another widespread belief is that only young and completely healthy individuals are eligible to donate organs.

"There is no strict age limit for organ donation. What matters is the condition and function of the organs, not the person’s age,” explains Dr Goyal.

Even individuals with certain medical conditions may still be able to donate.

"Conditions like diabetes or hypertension do not automatically rule out donation. Each case is assessed carefully to determine suitability,” he adds.

Tissues such as corneas, skin and bone may also be donated even if some organs are not suitable.

Myth 5: Organ donation is not guided by a proper allocation process

Some people worry that organ allocation may not be fair or transparent.

"Organ allocation in India follows a structured and strictly regulated system designed to ensure fairness,” says Dr Goyal.

Allocation is based on well-defined clinical criteria such as urgency, compatibility and waiting time.

"Every transplant is documented and monitored under legal frameworks. There is complete transparency in how organs are allocated,” he notes.