Donating Blood and/or Organs

Well, Crohns is not contagious so you can't give it to anyone by blood donation. I know a lot of doctors discourage Crohns patients from donating blood, largely I think because we tend to be anemic anyway. Also, I suspect some of the medications used in Crohns -- remicade, immuno-suppressants and of course steroids -- are among those that blood banks have on their "do not take" list. Overall I suspect the "don't donate" decisions are more about our overall health, and I recall seeing some posters here in the past say they can and have donated.

Blood donation restrictions/criteria vary across the country, and sometimes within regions of a state. Regarding organ donation, at the time of your demise, your medical history in all likelihood will be known by the staff caring for you. Therefore the organ "bank" will have the option of selecting your organ or not. I am certain something like a cornea would clearly carry no risk. I don't know about marrow donation. I would think if you come up as a match for someone, that the medical pros of theperson needing the donation would make the decision about risk etc before allowing going forward.

Thank you to all who responded. I wasn't sure what the reasons were against donating. I appreciate clarification....

In Massachusetts, I was told I couldn't donate blood because of 6MP. I do have organ donation on my drivers license, but who knows what they would do after I'm gone.