Organ donation

Buddhism and organ donation

There are no rules in Buddhism for or against organ donation, but central to Buddhism is a wish to relieve suffering.

There may also be occasions when organ donation may be seen as an act of charity.

In Buddhism the decision for or against organ donation relies very much on an individual's decision. People may decide for or against it, without one choice being seen as right, and the other wrong.

The needs and wishes of a potential donor should not be compromised by the wish to save a life.

The death process of an individual is viewed as very important, and a body should be treated with respect. However, there are no beliefs that say the body should be preserved in its entirety, so removing organs is not an issue from this point of view.

A dead body, however, should only be disturbed for appropriate reasons, and with special care.

It is also important to consider the consciousness of the dead person, and whether this might be adversely affected by organ donation, as the surgery takes place immediately after the donor takes their last breath.

Some Buddhists, including those who are followers of Tibetan Buddhism, believe the consciousness may stay in the body for some time after the breath has stopped.

Until the consciousness leaves the body it is important the body remains undisturbed, so Tibetan Buddhists may have some concerns that an operation so soon after death may damage their consciousness and cause harm to their future lives.

But others may decide this final act of generosity can only have positive ramifications.