ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION MEDICINE: RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

There are not enough solid organs available to meet the needs of patients with organ failure. Thousands of patients every year die on the waiting lists for transplantation. Yet there is currently available, underutilized, potential source of organs. Many patients die in intensive care following withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment whose organs could be used to save the lives of others. At present the majority of these organs go to waste. In this paper, I consider and evaluate a range of religious and ethical responses to improve the quality of organ transplantations available today. The responses of four world religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism) towards organ transplantation are considered. We argue that religious involvement in medical technologies like transplantation medicine gives to individuals the greatest chance of being able to help others with their organs after death under well-guided means. It is believed that attempts to increase patient autonomy will be realised in the light of religion and ethics.