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Gifts
of Donation
Organ Allocation
Transplant Process
Brain Death
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Religious Beliefs
Facts and Statistics
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| BUDDHISM |
| TRANSPLANTATION: |
Buddha's
teaching on the middle path, i.e., the avoiding of the extremes,
may be applicable to these points. What is medicine to one
may be poison to another. Administering of drugs, depending
upon the nature of illness and the individual capacity is
of utmost importance. The attainment of enlightenment is of
prime importance. |
| DONATION: |
Matter
of individual conscience. The importance of letting loved
ones know your wishes is stressed. |
| DISCUSSION: |
Buddhists
place high value on acts of compassion. There is no written
resolution on the issue, however, Reverend Gyomay Masao,
president and founder of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago
says, "We honor those people who donate their bodies
and organs to the advancement of medical science and to
saving lives." |
| CATHOLICISM |
| TRANSPLANTATION: |
Morally
and ethically acceptable to the Vatican. |
| DONATION: |
View
as an act of charity and love. |
| DISCUSSION: |
According
to Father Leroy Wickowski, Director of 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." Pope John Paul II has stated, "The
Catholic Church would promote the fact that there is a need
for organ donors and that Christians should accept this
as a 'challenge to their generosity and fraternal love'
so long as ethical principles are followed." |
| CHRISTIAN
CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) |
| TRANSPLANTATION: |
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| DONATION: |
Encourages
organ and tissue donation. |
| DISCUSSION: |
The
Christian Church encourages organ and tissue donation, stating
that we were created for God's glory and for sharing God's
love. A 1985 resolution, adopted by the General Assembly,
encourages "...members of the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ) to enroll as organ donors and prayerfully support
those who have received an organ transplant." |
| CHRISTIAN
SCIENCE |
| TRANSPLANTATION: |
Individual
decision. |
| DONATION: |
Individual
decision. |
| DISCUSSION: |
The
Church of Christ Scientist does not have a specific position
regarding organ donation. According to the First Church
of Christ Scientist in Boston, Christian Scientists normally
rely on spiritual instead of medical means of healing. They
are free, however, to choose whatever form of medical treatment
they desire, including a transplant. The question of organ
donation is the individual decision of church members. |
| EPISCOPAL |
| TRANSPLANTATION: |
Persons
are encouraged to volunteer for transplants only when needed. |
| DONATION: |
Encourages
organ, blood and tissue donation. The ultimate disposal of
these parts should be done reverently. Use of these parts
(eye, kidney, etc.) for use in living persons is without any
objection; the consent of the donor before death or responsible
relatives afterwards would be needed. |
| DISCUSSION: |
The
Episcopal Church passed a resolution in 1982 that recognizes
the life-giving benefits of organ, blood and tissue donation.
All Christians are encouraged to become organ, blood and
tissue donors "...as part of their ministry to others
in the name of Christ, who gave His life that we may have
life in its fullness." |
Sources:
Organ & Tissue Donation: A Reference Guide for Clergy,
(SEOPF & UNOS); New York Regional Transplant Program, Inc.;
American Council on Transplantation; National Kidney Foundation;
the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network; the Pennsylvania
Medical Medical Society.
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