Organ Donors First An organ and tissue donation is a controversial subject with a demanding process but it can help save the lives of many. Everyday someone from around the world is placed on a waiting list or dies needing a transplant. Imagine if one of those thousands of people in that position were a loved one, close friend, or a family member. The need is real, and it leads to some of the most remarkable success stories in the history of medicine. Therefore, people need to consider becoming organ and tissue donors. Becoming a donor requires careful consideration. There can be rewarding benefits for all involved. Donor’s lives, however, will be permanently changed with this commitment. If the need arises for a medical transplant, willing organ donors should have first priority in the recipient process. Those who choose not to participate in donations should be administered a lower priority. Over 114,000 people per year are placed on a waiting list for an organ or tissue transplantation, but the average number of donors per year is only around 5,000 people (Donatelife.net). Obviously it is clear that the demand for organs is far greater than the donations given. Therefore, there must be a priority system in place that produces fairness and is most beneficial to both donors and recipients. In all areas of medical treatment, organ donation has its pros and benefits, but it also has cons and misconceptions. Today’s society can view organ donation in a negative perspective. A dark cloud of misconceptions surround this issue. Many religions and cultures do not promote the idea of organ donation. In some religious communities; people believe that if they donate an organ it will affect them in their afterlife. Certain primitive cultures do not have the modern resources to support such an idea. There is a misconception that donors are financially responsible for all medical expenses incurred. Actually, organ recipients are the ones financially responsible for all medical expense. Another false belief would be in the idea of the respect for life. In some emergency situations, people think that their lives may be jeopardized based upon the fact if they are a donor or not. However, doctors take an oath to support life in all situations. Preserving life would be respected for both a receiver and a donor in all medical situations. Most people’s negative ideas about this issue are quite personal. Organ donation would be a very sacrificial act and would require a great deal of commitment. Donors must consider the long term effects, such as medical issues, quality of life and enduring the medical procedures. These are concerns that can only be answered individually. Donor’s still willing to give after all these negative issues should be given priority to receive if needed. As a donor considers the negatives to this issue, he can also focus his direction to the other side of the coin. There are positive influences to be measured as well. Organ donation is a highly admirable act of kindness and enables the receiver to have a quality of life immeasurably. Receiver’s lives are changed in many ways. Many no longer have to endure tedious and extensive medical treatments. Some whose lives were barely in survival stage are now thriving with that one act of sacrifice. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and give others their life back (“Donate Life Month – Pros and Cons of Organ Donation”). Another positive aspect for organ donation is for medical research. The medical world of doctors and scientists benefits from organ donation. With the use of donated organs and tissues they can work towards the cures for illnesses and diseases. An increase in science and medical knowledge will potentially save lives. When a donor has made giving a priority in their life, they should have confidence that should the need arise the system will give them priority. In all civilized societies all aspects of daily living require contributing.