One of the common questions I receive deals with organ donation. What does the Church teach about it? What are the ethical concerns that must be considered? etc. The Church very clearly supports organ donation so long as a few ethical concerns are taken into consideration. While I’ve written on this subject previously, it seems appropriate to revisit some of what the Church teaches, especially with the attention that organ donation receives during the month of April and with some of the recent high profile news stories about individual cases.
Going back only a little in history, we know that from the time technology made it possible, the Church has given general approval to the idea of organ and tissue donation. While no one has an obligation to be an organ donor, the Church has seen it as an act of generous love and solidarity when it is done morally and with the right intention.
In fact, Catholic institutions are encouraged to provide people with information regarding organ donation and help in facilitating such a donation if they so choose. The Church has also warned about some abuses which may exist, but these can be avoided if we keep some Catholic moral and ethical guidelines in mind.
We must begin with a question as to what kind of organ donation we’re talking about. Are we dealing with an organ from a living donor or a deceased donor?
For living donors there are some particular considerations.
First, we must ensure that donors give free and informed consent. They must be reasonably informed about the procedure itself, potential risks, and the likely outcome for both themselves and the recipient.
Second, there must be proportion between the likely risks to the donor and the benefit to the recipient.
Organs or tissue may only be taken from a living donor when doing so poses no grave threat to the donor’s life and health (i.e., donating one kidney may allow a fairly normal life without disabling or killing the donor). It is impossible to eliminate all risk, but it must be reasonable and proportionate.
Finally, the donor should have an appropriate intention. It should be done out of genuine concern and charity, and not be motivated by personal or financial gain.
In cases where organs are taken from a deceased person, there are also some special considerations.
There must be some indication that individuals, while alive, gave their consent to have their organs donated. If the person was unable to give such consent (such as in the case of a deceased child) the person or persons responsible for making health care decisions may give consent on the person’s behalf.
There must also be very strict oversight for the determination of death before any organs are harvested, ensuring that the person is in fact dead. One may not hasten the person’s death in order to more efficiently acquire their organs.
Out of respect for the donor’s human dignity, they must always be seen as a unique person first and foremost, and not just a source of “spare parts.” They are, after all, made in God’s image and likeness.
This means, among other things, that persons be allowed to die naturally and in their own time. This is a common fear which keeps some people away from being a donor. They are afraid that they will be prematurely killed or not resuscitated so their organs can be taken.
In Catholic (and other) institutions there is a directive in place to help alleviate this fear. The determination of death is made by someone not associated with the organ transplant team.
If these basic guidelines are followed, organ donation can be perfectly compatible with Catholic teaching.
If you have considered being an organ donor, speak with your doctor and let him or her know your concerns and the moral guidelines which accompany your decision and flow from your faith.