I might lack a lot of basic knowledge when it comes to the rules and expectations of various religions. This evening, for example, I found myself taking part in a conversation about organ donation and Jewish law, which lead me to some research.
First, there is apparently a lot of misperceptions about what Jewish law actually says about organ donation, specifically that it is entirely forbidden. I know, religious law causing confusion — shock of shocks.
From what I gather, donating material that can save one life without ending another — blood, bone marrow, a kidney — that’s all well and fine. However, according to this article from chabad.org, one life cannot be ended to save another, even if the first life has no quality, i.e. brain death. If the heart is still beating, the person is still considered alive. Another source, however, suggests that brain death has become an acceptable form of death, for the most part.
There’s a theory that organ donation from the dead can be acceptable if the organs are designated to save a specific life, not for purposes of storage and research. Another theory states that people should be buried whole, but that there are exceptions, essentially, if the missing part is going to save a life.
Trust me, I have in no way become an instant expert on the topic. What this very brief research has done is raise a lot of questions, both factual and perhaps personal. As in, I’m going to ask all of you a personal question.
Where do you stand on organ donation, and does your religion play a part in your thought process? No right or wrong answer, no judgment. Unless you steal organs, bronze them, and sell them as paperweights on Etsy. Then, you know, judgment.
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