Organ donation

[captjohn47]

Is it morally acceptable to donate a vital organ, such as one’s heart, to someone in critical need (life or death), if doing so would result in the donor’s own death?

 

[GEddie]

Is it morally acceptable to donate a vital organ, such as one’s heart, to someone in critical need (life or death), if doing so would result in the donor’s own death?

No.

First of all, no surgeon would remove a vital organ from a living human being (although with the head not working, the line from life to death can become blurred). To do so would be murder.

Second, you are not allowed to have yourself killed to save someone else. That would be suicide. The end does not justify the means.

ICXC NIKA

 

[captjohn47]

That makes sense although it flys in the face of, “No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for another”. One might also argue the similarity with Christ dying, offering himself up to crucifixion and certain death, for our sins.

Also; would it then be a Mortal Sin to jump in front of another person in grave danger and take a bullet to protect that person?

 

[GEddie]

That makes sense although it flys in the face of, “No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for another”. One might also argue the similarity with Christ dying, offering himself up to crucifixion and certain death, for our sins.

Also; would it then be a Mortal Sin to jump in front of another person in grave danger and take a bullet to protect that person?

No, because in that case, your action is physically to protect the other (with your body).

Your death, although it follows, is unavoidable. It is a double effect.

In the first case, you arrange to be killed so that the other can then be saved. The need to be purposely killed for this to happen makes this suicide for you and murder for the surgeons. We are not allowed to do evil for good to come from it.

I know it’s confusing. Professional philosophers shake their heads over similar issues. I am not one.

ICXC NIKA

 

[captjohn47]

The only part of that arguement that seems reasonable is the liability incurred by the surgeon, but then, surgeons incur no liability daily when performing abortions.

I fail to see the difference between offering one’s heart, using my body, to save the life of another person, who would die without it.

I jump in front of a train to push a child out of the way. It’s O.K.

I give up my heart to save another’s life. It’s not.

 

[The_Curt_Jester]

I’ve never supported organ donation as far as taking vital organs despite the medical industry telling us they are taken after the person is dead. I don’t see how you can get a living organ out of a dead person, therefore I have suspicions that the person is actually alive still when the organ is snatched.

That said, my church is in need of a new organ and if anyone would be willing to donate one, we’d be very happy!

 

[tabycat]

If it isn’t someones heart but a kidney that is donated? Or a part of a liver or lung? You can live with only one kidney or part of a liver or lung. :sad_yes:

 

[thistle]

Is it morally acceptable to donate a vital organ, such as one’s heart, to someone in critical need (life or death), if doing so would result in the donor’s own death?

That is ridiculous and would be murder.

 

[GEddie]

If it isn’t someones heart but a kidney that is donated? Or a part of a liver or lung? You can live with only one kidney or part of a liver or lung. :sad_yes:

Can only part of the lung be transplanted??

 

[SheepofChrist]

Hi

You’ve all got it wrong!–unfortunately.

I was recently in a Q & A disussion at church and learned that… as a Catholic you are NOT permitted to donate your organs whilst you are alive. Most unfortunately, this means you can’t donate a heart. I found this very harsh at first,but this is the Catholic way–the truth, the right way to do things, and is what God wants.

I found something in the" ask an apolegetic "section. Go and see for yourself.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=336118

God bless you all today

 

[thistle]

Hi

You’ve all got it wrong!–unfortunately.

I was recently in a Q & A disussion at church and learned that… as a Catholic you are NOT permitted to donate your organs whilst you are alive. Most unfortunately, this means you can’t donate a heart. I found this very harsh at first,but this is the Catholic way–the truth, the right way to do things, and is what God wants.

I found something in the" ask an apolegetic "section. Go and see for yourself.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=336118

God bless you all today

Actually that is not quite correct.

CCC 2296** Organ transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers and risks to the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient.** Organ donation after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as a expression of generous solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or his proxy has not given explicit consent. Moreover, it is not morally admissible to bring about the disabling mutilation or death of a human being, even in order to delay the death of other persons.

The part I underlined would allow, for example, giving one kidney or part of a liver.

 

[Durus]

I’ve never supported organ donation as far as taking vital organs despite the medical industry telling us they are taken after the person is dead. I don’t see how you can get a living organ out of a dead person, therefore I have suspicions that the person is actually alive still when the organ is snatched.

That said, my church is in need of a new organ and if anyone would be willing to donate one, we’d be very happy!

 

[Et_Cetera]

I’ve never supported organ donation as far as taking vital organs despite the medical industry telling us they are taken after the person is dead. I don’t see how you can get a living organ out of a dead person, therefore I have suspicions that the person is actually alive still when the organ is snatched.

That said, my church is in need of a new organ and if anyone would be willing to donate one, we’d be very happy!

I hope this whole post is a joke and not just the last line.

 

[thistle]

I’ve never supported organ donation as far as taking vital organs despite the medical industry telling us they are taken after the person is dead. I don’t see how you can get a living organ out of a dead person, therefore I have suspicions that the person is actually alive still when the organ is snatched.

That said, my church is in need of a new organ and if anyone would be willing to donate one, we’d be very happy!

The person is not alive and organs are not snatched!