organ donation

Question from anon on 3/30/2008:

hi judie im not sure if this is the right forum but can you tell me what is the churches position on agreeing to donate your organes once your dead. dose the church condem it or do they encourage it. god bless you

Answer by Judie Brown on 3/30/2008:
Dear Anon

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

"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."

Judie Brown