All major religions in the United States support donation. Read on to learn their views.
AMISH
The Amish will consent to donation if they are certain that it is for the health and welfare of the transplant recipient. They would be reluctant if the transplant outcome was considered to be questionable. John Hostetler, world-renowned authority on Amish religion and professor of anthropology at Temple University in Philadelphia, says in his book, Amish Society, "The Amish believe that since God created the human body, it is God who heals."
BAPTIST
Organ transplants generally are approved when they offer real medical hope for the recipient. A transplant as an end in itself is not approved. It must offer the possibility of physical improvement and the extension of human life.
BUDDHISM
The Buddhists believe that organ donation is a matter of individual conscience and "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. According to the Office of Health Affairs of the Archdiocese of Chicago, "We encourage donation as an act of charity. It is something good that can result from tragedy and a way for families to find comfort by helping others."
CHRISTIAN CHURCH/DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
There are no prohibitions against organ transplants.
CHURCH OF CHRIST/INDEPENDENT
Organ transplants should not be a religious problem.
CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS
The Church of Christ Scientist takes no specific position on transplants or organ donation as distinct from other medical or surgical procedures. Members are free to choose whatever form of medical treatment they desire, including organ donation and transplantation.
EPISCOPAL
The Episcopal Church finds nothing offensive in organ transplants, provided the moral integrity of the donor is not violated.
GREEK ORTHODOX
Transplants, such as skin grafting and blood transfusions, are acceptable. This belief has been extended to include organ transplants.
HINDUISM
Hindus are not prohibited by religious law from donating their organs, according to the Hindu Temple Society of North America. The act of donating is an individual decision.
INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE ANGELICAL
Evangelicals have no opposition to organ transplants.
ISLAM
The Moslem Religious Council in 1983 initially rejected organ donation by followers, but later reversed its position.
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
Organ donation is a matter for individual conscience, according to the Watch Tower Society. Though the group is often assumed to ban transplantation because of its taboo against blood transfusion, it does not oppose donating or receiving organs.
CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM
Judaism teaches that saving a human life takes precedence over maintaining the sanctity of the human body.
ORTHODOX JUDAISM
Where any part of the body is separated from the corpus, it too, requires burial. Where an organ is to be transplanted to save the life of a patient or improve his health, however, then it is permitted.
REFORM JUDIASM
The authorized removal of the eyes of a deceased person in order to restore sight of a potential recipient is acceptable. This applies to any proper and scientifically effectual transplant of any organ from a deceased person to a living person.
LUTHERAN
The ability to transplant organs from a deceased to a living person is considered a genuine medical advance supported by the Lutheran Church.
MORMON/CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
The Church encourages individuals to review carefully the advantages and disadvantages of donation and follow the action that best gives them peace of mind.
PRESBYTERIAN
Presbyterians encourage and endorse organ donation, respecting an individual's right to make decisions.
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
Individuals and their families have the right to receive or donate those organs that will restore any of the senses or prolong life.
UNITED METHODIST
The Church recognizes the useful potential of organ donation and has adopted a formal resolution supporting donation.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
When advocated by medical practitioners to improve or preserve human life, this procedure is encouraged, providing all appropriate consents are obtained.
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