Religious Views on Donation and Transplantation
Provided by the American Council on
Transplantation
Amish
The Amish consent to donation if they know it is for the
health and welfare of the transplant recipient. They are reluctant to
donate organs if the transplant outcome is known to be questionable.
Buddhism
Buddhists believe organ donation is a matter that should
be left to an individual's conscience. There is no written resolution on
the issue; however, Rev. Gyomay Masao, president and founder of the
Buddhist Temple of Chicago and a practicing minister, says, 'We honor
those people who donate their bodies and organs to the advancement of
medical science and to saving lives."
Catholicism
Catholics view organ donation as an act of charity,
fraternal love and self sacrifice. Transplants are ethically and morally
acceptable to the Vatican.
The Church of Christ Science
Christian Scientists do not take a
specific position on transplants. Christian Scientists normally rely on
spiritual, rather than medical means for healing. The questions of organ
donation is left to the individual church member.
Gypsies
Gypsies, on the whole are against organ donation. Although
they have no formal resolution, their opposition is associated with
their belief about the after-life. Gypsies believe that one year after a
person dies, the soul retraces it steps. All of the body parts must be
intact because the soul maintains a physical shape.
Islam
In 1983, the Moslem Religious Council initially rejected
organ donation by followers of Islam, but it has reversed its position,
provided donors consent in writing prior to their death. The organs of
Moslem donors must be transplanted immediately.
Jehovah's Witnesses
According to the Watch Tower Society, the legal
corporation for the religion, Jehovah's Witnesses do not encourage organ
donation, but believe it is a matter best left to an individual's
conscience. All organs and tissues, however, must be completely drained
of blood before transplantation.
Judaism
Judaism teaches that saving a life takes precedence over
maintaining the sanctity of the human body. a direct transplant is
preferred. According to Moses Tendler, PhD, an orthodox rabbi, "If
one is in a position to donate an organ to save another's life, it's
obligatory to do so, even if the donor never knows who the beneficiary
will be."
Mormons
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints considers
the decision to donate organs a personal one. Jerry Cahill, director of
Public Affairs for the Mormon Church, says, "Mormons must
individually weigh the advantages and disadvantages of transplantation
and choose the one that will bring them peace and comfort. The Church
does not interpose any objection to an individual decision in favor of
organ and tissue donation."
Protestantism
Protestants encourage and endorse organ donation. The
Protestant faith respects an individual's conscience and a person's
right to make decisions regarding his or her own body. Rev. James W.
Rassbach of the Board of Communication Services, Missouri-Synod, says,
"We accept and believe that our Lord Jesus Christ came to give life
and to give it in abundance. Organ donations enable more abundant life,
alleviate pain and suffering, and are an expression of love in times of
tragedy."
