Kidneys, lung, corneas, liver, pancreas, heart valves, bones, tendons, skin and bone marrow can all be transplanted. If desired, a donor can specify on a donor card which organs and tissues they want to donate. The organ most commonly given by a living donor is the kidney. People usually have two kidneys, and one is all that is needed to live a normal life. Parts of other organs including the lung, liver and pancreas have also been transplanted from living donors.
Violators are subject to fines and imprisonment.
Among the reasons for this rule is the concern of Congress that buying and selling of organs might lead to inequitable access to donor organs with the wealthy having an unfair advantage. The donor's family does not pay for the cost of the organ donation. All costs related to donation of organs and tissues are paid by the recipient, usually through insurance or Medicare. While there are variations in specific views, religious leaders of most denominations the world over favor organ and tissue donation and consider it the highest humanitarian act. If you are concerned, check with your religious leader.