Organ donation is taboo for Hispanics

VOXXI

Hispanics make up a majority of the people awaiting organ transplants, yet donation rate among the group is low. The reason is tied to religious myths.

“We find that the Hispanic community tells us, ‘My religion says not to donate,’ and ‘I can’t have an open casket because the body will be damaged,’” said Esmeralda Perez of the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, reports Reuters.

The myths are more likely to keep first and second generation Hispanics from donating as they fear disfigurement or “not being able to get into heaven because their body will not be whole.”

There are 50.5 million Hispanics in the U.S. In states like California they are the largest group on the transplant list, but only make up 14 percent of registered donors.

In 2010, Hispanics made up 31 percent of individuals who donated organs in Texas, according to Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. Nationwide Hispanics make up 45 percent of patients on the national waiting list to receive organs, reports Reuters.

Read more: http://voxxi.com/2012/01/30/organ-donation-is-taboo-for-hispanics-health-voxxiview/