Donating Life
Organ donation is the process of surgically removing an organ or tissue from the donor’s body and placing the organ or tissue into the body of the recipient's. Transplantation is necessary because the recipients organ has failed or been damaged by disease or injury. Most people only hear of the main organs that are transplanted, but actually there are up to twenty-five different organs and tissues that are able be transplanted. Some of the most frequent donated organs include, the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. The most commonly donated tissues are, blood, vessels, bones, eyes, and skin. Even though organ donation is sometimes considered morally and ethically wrong, all major religions approve of the donations, donation is free and easy to register and donate any transmittable organ, and donation gives the gift of life to those who are in need.
Religious concerns might represent an important issue when donation for transplantation is discussed. Organ donation is consistent in following the beliefs of all the major religions of the world. According to Ele Messina in the article, Beyond the Officially Sacred Donor and Believer: Religion And Organ Transplant “some of the most major religions in the world are Catholicism, Judaism, and Christianity”. Catholics view the donation of organs as an act of love and kindness. Judaism sanctions and encourages donation in order to save the lives of others. Christians recognize the benefit of giving life and urge everyone to become an organ donor. Although almost every major religion does view donating organs as an act of charity, each major religion also believes it is a decision for the family or for the individual. Each individual's decisions on whether they want to be a donor or not is a very personal one, but it is encouraging that it is supported by their religion. Members of the same religious group may have differing and often conflicting opinions in their own interpretation of how their religion supports organ donation. Organ donation is viewed by almost every major religion as an act that not only saves, but enhances lives.
Being an organ donor is completely free and easy. For the donor, once they decide they want to donate their organs, there are no costs for the individual or their family. The procedure is also free for the removal and transplant of the organ, whether the individual is alive or deceased. According to Ana Iltis in the article Organ Donation And Global Bioethics “part of the reason for this is because organ donation is not always an available option due to significant shortage of transplantable human organs”. To register to be an organ donor is as easy as filling out a form online. An individual can opt to donate an organ to anyone in need, as long as it is a match. Choosing whether or not to become an organ donor is made simple, when a driver’s license is issued