Organ transplant and donation in Jewish Bioethics is largely permitted on the basis that life is sacred and should be preserved. It is supported by 2 of the 3 Jewish Bioethical principles of:
1. Human life has infinite value
and
3. Improvement of the patient's quality of life is a constant commitment.
- Transplant usually occurs in a patient where their own organ is diseased, ceased functioning as needed for the body's health or injured is replaced by a new organ usually from a different or individual donor.
If someone is able to donate to save the life of another person, then it is a requirement under the Jewish belief that "All human life has infinite value", regardless of who that person is or whether they have a relationship or even know the recipient.
Donation of corneas in order to restore sight under the Jewish belief that the restoration of sight is considered a lifesaving act.
Donation generally occurs from an individual who has recently died although the donated organ is still healthy. If consent has been given, then post-death removal of an organ is accepted and supported.
If consent has not been given then it is considered stealing and therefore should not occur.
If an organ has been 'harvested' prior to death, then it is generally not supported as the removal of this organ could hasten the death of the donor.
If the donor is not a 'true' donor and has been threatened or coerced into making the donation then that organ has been stolen and is in breach of the eighth commandment "Thou shalt not steal" and therefore should not occur.
Further Reading
BBC Jewish Organ Donation
Organ Donation - Chabad.org
My Jewish Learning - Organ Donation
References:
Clark, H (2007). Spotlight: Studies of Religion HSC, Chapter 6: Judaism, Science Press, Marrickville, NSW, p. 169.
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