Organ Donation

The simple answer to organ donation is that it is a mitzvah (an honourable deed, as defined in Jewish terms).  Obviously, organ donation is not only possible at the time of death.  It is possible to make 'live' donations and these should also, in general, be considered a mitzvah.  Jewish tradition considers that the obligation to save a life over-rides all other obligations, except taking another life, illicit relationships and idolatry.  Within the context of this ideal, organ donation - a live saving procedure - should be considered an obligation which over-rides other concerns.

It is true that the reality of organ donation is actually much more complicated.  The ideal of saving a life (Pikuach Nefesh) should guide our conduct, but often much more thought goes into the decision by a family to donate a loved-one's organs.  One way to help the decision making process is for every person to make a positive decision to carry a card indicating their wishes to donate their organs in the event of death.  Families seeking support should feel free to call Rabbi Neil Janes on 020 8 446 4063.