South Bend Tribune

Transplants become Hollywood staple

August 8, 2007

Hollywood has discovered that organ transplantation makes for dramatic television.

But advocates for organ donation aren't happy about it.

According to a new study, more than 80 episodes of TV shows had transplants as their main storyline, but not one of them dealt with the subject in an accurate or positive way.

"It is difficult to believe ... but that is what we found," said Susan Morgan, professor of health communication at Purdue University.

Common inaccuracies in the shows, which included medical dramas, cop shows and soap operas, involved a black market for organs, doctors allowing a potential donor to die, stolen organs and people with money receiving preference on waiting lists.

In a follow-up study, Morgan found that viewers were less inclined to support organ donation, especially if they had not yet registered as potential donors.