Does My Religion Support Organ and Tissue Donation?

The Connection Between Faith and Donation

For the faithful, understanding their religions support of donation is key to saying yes to saving lives as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Often times, religious support of donation is one of the concerns that comes up when discussing donation and transplantation and making the decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death.

All Major Religions Support Donation

Did you know all major religions in the U.S. support organ, eye and tissue donation? Yes, that is correct. Many religious leaders have made statements addressing donation and transplantation. Through those statements, they not only express their faith’s support but also explain how someone can “live their faith” by making the decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor to save lives. For example, some religions openly support organ, eye and tissue donation and encourage their followers to consider “paying it forward” by giving the gift of life after death. Other religions choose to leave the decision to the individual.

Organ Donation Is Seen As Act of Kindness and Charity

Saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation is an unselfish and altruistic act. And, from a religious and spiritual perspective, organ, eye and tissue donation, both after death and while alive, is considered as an act of kindness and charity towards those in need. Some view donation as the utmost act of love and compassion one can have for their neighbor. Thanks to the generosity of organ, eye and tissue donors, thousands of lives are saved and healed each year through donation and transplantation.

Why the Faithful Should Consider Being Organ, Eye and Tissue donors?

Here in our community, there are nearly 2,000 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, many of whom self-identify as people of faith. Sadly, it’s estimated that every day in the U.S., there are approximately 20 patients who die because of the lack of donor organs. Making the decision to learn more about your faith’s stance on donation and transplantation and then selflessly signing up as an organ, eye and tissue donor brings hope to those waiting a lifesaving transplant. Learn how you can share your lifesaving decision with your Faith community in celebration of National Donor Sabbath, Nov 12-14.

Organ donation is the greatest act of charity you can perform. Knowing the facts about donation helps you make an informed decision, rather than letting myths or unknowns influence your decision.

Become Familiar with Your Faith’s Stance on Donation

If you are hesitant about signing to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death, we suggest you reach out to your leaders to learn how donation and transplantation is viewed by your faith. By discussing donation with your faith leaders and addressing specific questions, you’ll have a better understanding of your faith’s traditions, ceremonial requirements, and how these are or can be compatible with donation and transplantation. Being informed can provide additional assurance and peace of mind when making the decision to become a donor.

What About Respecting and Caring for the Deceased?

Traditional funeral and burial services are important to all faith communities. Deceased organ donors are always treated with the utmost respect and dignity throughout the entire donation process. If your loved one’s organs are eligible to be donated, a team of specialist surgeons show respect during the recovery process by caring for the donor in a way that still allows a traditional open casket funeral.

Leave a Legacy of Love

The need for transplantable organs and tissues affects people from all backgrounds regardless of religion. You have the ability to leave a legacy of love through organ, eye and tissue donation and save lives. Many of our donor families have shared that knowing their loved one’s legacy lives on through their donation has helped them during their grieving.

Now that you know all major religions support donation and transplantation, we encourage you to learn more about your faith’s stance on organ donation and consider signing up as a donor. You can sign-up anytime online at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming. Once you’ve signed up, share your decision with your loved ones and others in your faith community. One good deed deserves another.