Religion and Transplants.

I have made every effort to present a non-biased approach to this subject. With this page I hope to clear up some misconceptions many people have about various religious views. No major religion opposes organ transplantation, however some do have guidelines or specifics on when transplants are appropriate. The information presented below is generalized from various sources. If you feel clarification or additional comments about your religion's position is needed, please e-mail me with your concerns. Sources are available on request. This page is rather long - it may take a minute to load during peak times. Click on the arrow to see the comments.

Amish

Nothing in Amish belief forbid them from using modern medical services.

Baha'i

Baptist

Some conferences have adopted positive resolutions that encourage organ donation and transplantation.

Buddhist Church of America

The Buddhists believe that organ donation is a matter of individual conscience. There is no written resolution on the issue however.

Christian Science

The Church of Christ, Scientist takes no specific position on transplants or organ donation as distinct from other medical or surgical procedures. The question of organ donation is the individual decision of church members.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The question of whether one should will bodily organs to be used as transplants or for research after death must be answered from deep within the conscience of the individual involved. Those who seek counsel from the church on on this subject are encouraged to review the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, to implore the Lord for inspiration and guidance, and then to take the course of action which would give them a feeling of peace and comfort.

Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church recognizes the life-giving benefits of organ, blood, and tissue donation and encourages all Christians to become organ, blood, and tissue donors as part of their ministry to others.

Evangelical Covenant Church

A resolution passed at the Annual Meeting in 1982 encouraged the members to "sign and carry Organ Donor Cards." The resolution also recommended "that it become a policy with our pastors, teachers, and counselors to encourage awareness of organ donation in all our congregations."

Greek Orthodox Church

Not gainst organ donation, provided the organs in question are used for the purpose intended - transplantation - and not for research or experimentation.

Hinduism

This act is an individual decision.

Islam

The Moslem Religious Council initially rejected organ donation in 1983, but it has reversed its position, provided that donors consent in writing in advance. The organs of Moslem donors must be transplanted immediately and not be stored in organ banks.

Jehovah's Witnesses

Believe it is a matter for individual conscience. Although the group is often assumed to ban transplantation because of its taboo against blood transfusion, it does not oppose donating or receiving organs. All organs and tissues must be completely drained of blood before transplantation.

Judaism

Organ donation is actually a moral obligation. It is the only "mitzvot" or good deed, an individual can perform after death. Tthere is still some reluctance regarding organ donating among Hasidic Jews due to concerns about "defilement of the dead."

Protestant Denominations

Varies from denomination to denomination. None oppose.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

Roman Catholic Church

Catholics view organ donation as an act of charity, fraternal love, and self sacrifice. Transplants are ethically and morally acceptable to the Vatican.

Unitarian Universalist

No restriction when the donor is not harmed, and when the patient and his physician believe that this operation will be of benefit to the patient.

United Methodist Church

United Methodist Church recognizes the life giving benefits of organ and tissue donation, and thereby encourages all Christians to become organ and tissue donors by signing and carrying cards or driver's licenses, attesting to their commitment of such organs upon their death to those in need, as a part of their ministry to others.