Organ Donation in Jewish Law

Organ Donation In Jewish Law

Certain fundamental Jewish law questions arise in all organ donation issues. Rabbinic rulings and opinions represent different assessments of how to balance Judaism’s duties to preserve one’s own life and to help others live. Overall, according to many Halachic rulers, there are no Jewish laws that state you can't donate organs, and usually it is pikuach nefesh (probability of saving the recipient’s life in the process) that gives people permission to donate. The probability of saving the recipient’s life must be substantially greater than the risk to the donor’s life or health. However, it is always advised to consult with a rabbi before making a decision.

Under Jewish law, organ donation raises some questions, and has traditionally been met with some skepticism. However, it has met increasing acceptance as medical transplantation methods have improved. In both Orthodox Judaism and non-Orthodox Judaism, the majority view holds that organ donation is permitted in the case of irreversible cardiac rhythm cessation. In some cases, rabbinic authorities believe that organ donation may be mandatory, whereas a minority opinion considers any donation of a live organ as forbidden.