Postion Paper Organ Transplantation

Teresa Taylor

Liberty University

Position Paper 1

HLTH551 DO1

12/02/2012

Dr. Claudia Dempsey

Organ Transplantation

The Christian position regarding the donation and allocation of human organs for transplantation is highly dependent on a person’s religious beliefs. When most people consider the idea of donating their organs and those of their loved ones the decision has to coincide with what they feel is acceptable according to their faith. Most religions are in favor of organ donations and transplantation; however there is a small amount of religions that do not support the idea of donation and allocation of human organs for transplantation. For instance, according to Jehovah’s Witnesses National Headquarters, the Watch Tower Society, “Jehovah’s Witnesses believe donation is a matter of individual decision. Jehovah’s Witnesses are often assumed to be opposed to donation because of their belief against blood transfusion” (Watch Tower Society, 2012). Most religious doctrines stand by the belief that the decision to donate their organs and those of their loved ones are left entirely up to the individual. The choice is based on individual perceptions and ideas on how they feel toward assisting someone in need. Some may view their ideas according to the biblical teachings of their religion. The chances are is what they consider is the right or wrong course of action to undertake is solely dependent upon their faith and the practices of their religion. Ideally it is an individual choice and the persons’ perception of what is the right or wrong course of action to take. The religions that oppose organ transplantation have a strong faith in believing that the human body is sacred and it is unethical to remove organs.

Personally I believe that organ donation is considered as act of goodwill that contributes to saving the lives of those who are suffering with deficient organs. According to Howard, “Superficially, many people quickly accept the...