Religious and cultural aspects of organ donation: Narrowing the gap through understanding different religious beliefs

Abstract

Background The supply of viable organ donations falls significantly below the demand. Discrepancies concerning the availability of transplants cannot be explained solely by the various consent models used in different countries. There is evidence that religious beliefs of patients, potential donors, and healthcare professionals also play an important role in the decision‐making process. However, to date, very little research has been conducted on the consequences of specific religious beliefs on transplantation rates. The aim of this review was to outline the religious views of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists on organ donation. Additionally, different approaches to address this topic throughout the world are presented and can function as a helpful background for medical professionals. Methods The umbrella organizations of the five largest religious movements were asked for written statements concerning the subject of organ transplantation, and a literature review was performed. Results All German religious umbrella organizations have a positive view on organ donation, if certain rules are respected. Particularly, deceased donations are supported as a sign of altruism, love, and respect for another human being. Different aspects of the transplant process (e.g., consent, brain death, and respect for the dead body) are particularly stressed in some religions. Conclusions In general, the religious groups addressed here are in favor of organ donations. Nevertheless, there are important particularities to be considered. Hopefully, understanding the different religious views on organ donations will help in reducing religious concerns about transplantation and narrowing the gap between the need and the availability of organ donations.

Induced Coma, Death, and Organ Transplantation: A Physiologic, Genetic, and Theological Perspective

“…However, they do not oppose xenotransplantation research [ 126 , 127 ]. More recently, organ donation for the benefit of humans in need has been seen as “posthumous giving of organs and tissues can be a manifestation of love spreading also to the other side of death” [ 128 ]. This position is assumed by the great religions of the world, especially by the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Churches.…”

Overcoming barriers to solid organ transplant in low resource settings: Is fostering altruism the key?

“…7,8 Deceased and living organ donation is widely accepted by most major religions of the world, provided specific principles are adhered to regarding consent, circumstances around donation, and treatment of the deceased donor's body after donation regarding burial, etc. 9 However, there are misconceptions that organ donation is forbidden by religions like Islam and Buddhism. 10 Altruistic unrelated living kidney or liver donation is also known as non-directed donation or unspecified organ donation, and occurs when the living donor is neither genetically nor emotionally related to a potential recipient.…”

“…Deceased and living organ donation is widely accepted by most major religions of the world, provided specific principles are adhered to regarding consent, circumstances around donation, and treatment of the deceased donor's body after donation regarding burial, etc 9 . However, there are misconceptions that organ donation is forbidden by religions like Islam and Buddhism 10…”

Turning Loss Into Legacy

“…Another common misconception is that organ, tissue, and eye/cornea donations are not allowed by certain religions. 17,18 This may be grounded in religious beliefs related to keeping the body intact, performing postmortem rituals, or burying the body within a certain time frame. The reality is that, in general, all major religions and many religious scholars do support donation.…”