Organ Donation and Transplantation: Where Do You Draw the Line?

Did you know that over 100,000 Americans are on the national waitlist for an organ transplantation right now? For every seven minutes that pass, another person is added. Unfortunately, an average of 12 people die waiting for the gift of life every day [1]. 

The shortage of organ donors has undoubtedly been a significant issue in the U.S. for decades. Notably, as of June 2026, the demand for kidney donations increased by 400% over the last three decades [2]. With such severe demands not being met, it is necessary to explore what the underlying cause of this shortage is. If organ donation can completely transform someone’s life, then why do so many people refuse it? 

Don’t worry, shortage in organ donors does not mean humanity is lacking altruism! A national survey in 2025 states that 93% of adults are in favor of organ donation, however only 53% of those adults signed up as donors [1]. Despite strongly endorsing organ donation, people primarily refrain from personally participating because they lack knowledge on the topic and it challenges the cultural beliefs that have shaped their identity for so long [3,5]. 

Now, think about a time when you had to make a difficult, carefully considered decision. Making a major decision like that requires awareness and deep understanding of the consequences. A research study found that 16.5% of people surveyed refused organ donation because they did not have enough information on it [3]. People who lack an understanding on important topics like organ donation can be prone to believing misconceptions about it. For example, a popular myth is that the hospital won’t work as hard to save your life if you agree to donating your organs [4]. Myths like these increase people’s fear, ultimately influencing them to hold a strong, unsubstantiated perspective that often leads to refusion. It is important to not bring shame upon them but rather utilize useful tools, such as the media, to remove any confusion and correctly educate the public about the raw process behind donating [3]. Less misconceptions and more public awareness will allow for better decision making supported by strategic judgement. 

Many people also refuse donating because it contradicts their cultural ideology. Think of a specific set of principles you hold dear to your heart, shaping a huge part of your identity today. This is exactly why cultural ideologies are a primary reason for refusing organ donation. These principles essentially shape our values, thus influencing us to make decisions that best encapsulate what we define as moral. For example, many Chinese and Korean Americans refuse organ donation because it conflicts with the Confucian ideology of filial piety, a significant aspect to their heritage and identity [5]. Making decisions that best fit a person’s principles should not be criticized, because people should be able to have autonomy over their own health. Therefore, to effectively reinforce the importance of organ donation, it is necessary and considerate to do so in a respectful manner, considering sensitivity and acknowledging different beliefs between communities, while keeping the information as accurate as possible [3]. 

When considering how you can help contribute to the shortage of organ donors, it is crucial to reflect on the values you hold for yourself. Just because something is worthy of attention does not mean that we should disregard the possible challenges people might face when making this life-changing decision. Only we know ourselves best, and any discomfort or lack of confidence in the decisions you’re making will not make the process smoother. As organ donation demands continue to increase, I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on your own agency. What ideas do you have about organ donation that could help others today? And more importantly, how will you take those ideas into action before you draw the line? 

Designed by: Emily Hanna

Reviewed by: Mira Jaafar

References

[1] Health Resources & Services Administration. (2025, May). Organ donation statistics. Health Resources & Services Administration. Www.Organdonor.Gov. https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/organ-donation-statistics.

[2] American College of Surgeons . (2026). Despite greater transplantation survival, organ shortages persist. ACS. https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/transplant-survival-is-improving-but-organ-shortages-persist-and-limit-access/.

[3] Roza, B. A., Schuantes-Paim, S. M., Oliveira, P. C., Malosti, R. D., Knhis, N. D. S., Menjivar, A., Duran, M. B., & Schirmer, J. (2024). Reasons for organ and tissue donation refusal and opposition: a scoping review. Revista panamericana de salud publica = Pan American journal of public health, 48, e115. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2024.115.

[4] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2026, July 9). 10 Myths about organ donation. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/organ-donation/art-20047529.

[5] Li, M. T., Hillyer, G. C., Husain, S. A., & Mohan, S. (2019). Cultural barriers to organ donation among Chinese and Korean individuals in the United States: A systematic review. Transplant International, 32(10), 1001–1018. https://doi.org/10.1111/tri.13439.