About Organ Donation

Organ Donation

Organ Pledging

Organ pledging is a voluntary act of giving/gifting biological organ(s) or tissue(s) of the human body, from a dead person to a living recipient.

How can a person pledge Organs/Tissues?

A person can pledge his/her Organs/Tissues by registering himself/herself with any Organization engaged or working for Organ Donation.

Who can pledge?

Anyone who is willing to gift his/her Organs/Tissues to save the lives of others can pledge.

Organ Donation

Organ Donation is a process of procuring or retrieving Organs(s) or Tissue(s) from a living or deceased donor to a recipient.

Who is a DONOR?

A donor is a person who donates his/her Organs/ Tissues by donating them at the time of his/her death.

Who is a RECIPIENT?

A recipient is a person who is in need of a transplant. Organ Donation is also possible without pledging.

Who can Donate?

Almost anyone of nearly any age can donate having average heath condition. Although anyone who has cancer, HIV or disease causing bacteria in the bloodstream or body tissues is usually exempted from donation. But this is not always the rule.

Types of Donors

Living Donors:

Living donors can donate- Kidney, Pancreas, Lung, Liver.

Deceased/Cadaver Donors:

In case of Natural/cardiac death, the corneas and the body of the person can be donated.
In case of Brain death, maximum number of Organs/ Tissues can be procured from the donor’s body like Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Pancreas, Liver, Bones, Skin and so on.

How are Organs transplanted after donation?

Organs are transplanted through a particular medical procedure. The donated Tissues and Organs are removed in a surgical procedure, based on the donor’s medical and social history, of which are suitable for transplantation.

Does registering oneself as a donor compel a person to donate after death?

No, not necessarily a person who registers as a donor needs to donate at the time of his/her death. It entirely depends on the Donor’s family to take a decision on that matter.

Pledging and donating involves whom?

Pledging involves the donor alone and donating involves the donor himself/herself (after death) and most importantly his/her family members. The conversion of these brain dead patients into donors would take care of the long waitlist of end stage organ failure patients. Organ donation after death is one simple act that does not hurt anyone. There are many people who could use our organs after death.

Myths & Facts

Don’t let these myths about Organ Donation confuse you and stop you from being an Organ Donor.

Myth

If I agree to donate my organs, my doctor or the emergency room staff won’t work as hard to save my life. They’ll remove my organs as soon as possible to save somebody else.

Fact

When you go to the hospital for treatment, doctors focus their priority of saving your life – not somebody else’s. The doctor in charge of your care has nothing to do with transplantation. Besides, Organ donation can only be considered after brain death occurs.

Myth

Maybe I won’t really be dead when they sign my death certificate. It’ll be too late for me if they’ve taken my organs for transplantation. I might have otherwise recovered.

Fact

Although it’s a popular topic in the tabloids, in reality, people don’t start to wiggle a toe after they’re declared dead. In fact, people who have agreed to organ donation are given more tests to determine that they are truly dead than are those who haven’t agreed to organ donation.

Myth

Organ donation is against my religion.

Fact

Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions. This includes Hinduism, Sikkhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam and most branches of Judaism. If you’re unsure of or uncomfortable with your faith’s position on donation, ask a member of your clergy.

Myth

I’m under age 18. I’m too young to make this decision.

Fact

That’s true, in a legal sense. But your parents can authorize this decision. You can express to your parents your wish to donate, and your parents can give their consent knowing that it’s what you wanted. Children, too, are in need of organ transplants, and they usually need organs smaller than those an adult can provide.

Myth

Organ and tissue donation will disfigure my body.

Fact

Organ and tissue donation doesn’t disfigure the body. The donor’s body is clothed for burial, so there are no visible signs of organ or tissue donation. For eye donation, an artificial eye is inserted, the lids are closed, and no one can tell any difference. For bone donation, a rod is inserted where bone is removed. With skin donation, a very thin layer of skin similar to a sunburn peel is taken from the donor’s back. Because the donor is clothed and lying on his or her back, no one can see any difference.

Myth

I’m too old to donate. Nobody would want my organs.

Fact

There’s no defined cutoff age for donating organs. Organs have been successfully transplanted from donors in their 70s and 80s. The decision to use your organs is based on strict medical criteria, not age. Don’t disqualify yourself prematurely. Let the doctors decide at your time of death whether your organs and tissues are suitable for transplantation.

Myth

I’m not in the greatest health, and my eyesight is poor. Nobody would want my organs or tissues.

Fact

Very few medical conditions automatically disqualify you from donating organs. The decision to use an organ is based on strict medical criteria. It may turn out that certain organs are not suitable for transplantation, but other organs and tissues may be fine. Don’t disqualify yourself prematurely. Only medical professionals at the time of your death can determine whether your organs are suitable for transplantation.

Myth

As a Hindu, if I donate organs, I will be be born without them in my next birth.

Fact

This is not true. When a Hindu is cremated, the entire body is consigned to flames and destroyed by fire. The only element not destroyed is the soul. The physical body does not survive death anyway, so the organs hold no relevance in rebirth as they are destructible. It is the everlasting soul that is reborn.

Myth

Rich, famous and powerful people always seem to move to the front of the line when they need a donor organ. There’s no way to ensure that my organs will go to those who’ve waited the longest or are the neediest.

Fact

The rich and famous aren’t given priority when it comes to allocating organs. It may seem that way because of the amount of publicity generated when celebrities receive a transplant, but they are treated no differently from anyone else. In fact, what really counts is the severity of illness, time spent waiting, blood type and other important medical information. The organ allocation system is blind to wealth or social status. Factors such as race, gender, age, income, celebrity status are never considered when determining organ recipients.

Myth

My family will be charged if I donate my organs.

Fact

The organ donors family is never charged for donating. The family is charged for the cost of all final efforts to save your life, and those costs are sometimes misinterpreted as costs related to organ donation. Costs for organ removal go to the transplant recipient.

Myth

Organ donation is not necessary in India.

Fact

Unofficial statistics from India indicate that there are nearly 300 deaths every day due to organ failure. That is more than one lakh deaths per year. India needs organ donors.

Religion

Hindu Dharma and Organ Donation

A guide to organ donation and Hindu beliefs

There are many references that support the concept of organ donation in Hindu scriptures. Daan is the original word in Sanskrit for donation meaning selfless giving. In the list of the ten Niyamas (virtuous acts) Daan comes third.

Life after death is a strong belief of Hindus and is an ongoing process of rebirth. The law of karma decides which way the soul will go in the next life.

Organ donation is an integral part of the Hindu way of life, as guided by the Vedas. That which sustains is accepted and promoted as Dharma (righteous living). Scientific treatises form an important part of the Vedas – Sage Charaka deals with internal medicine while Sage Sushruta includes features of organ and limb transplants.

“…it is said that the soul is invisible…knowing this you should not grieve for the body.”

Bhagavad Gita, chapter 2:25

“Of all the things that it is possible to donate, to donate your own body is infinitely more worthwhile.”

The Manusmruti

“The important issue for a Hindu is that which sustains life should be accepted and promoted as Dharma (righteous living). Organ donation is an integral part of our livin.”

Hasmukh Velji Shah, International Trustee, World Council of Hindus

“Organ donation is in keeping with Hindu beliefs as it can help to save the lives of others.”

Mr Om Parkash Sharma MBE, President, National Council of Hindu Temples

Organ donation

Organ donation is the gift of an organ to help someone else who needs a transplant. Hundreds of people’s lives are saved each year by organ transplants. Organs that can be donated by people who have died include the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small bowel. Tissue such as skin, bone, heart valves and corneas can also be used to help others.

When can organ donation take place? Doctors and nurses are committed to doing everything possible to save life. Organs are only removed for transplantation once all attempts to save life have failed and after death has been certified by a doctor or doctors who are entirely independent of the transplant team. Most donated organs come from people who die from a severe brain injury and who receive treatment on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. The brain injury damages vital centres in the brain stem which are essential to maintain life. No one can live once these centres have been destroyed. Tests can show conclusively when this has happened. In some circumstances, patients who die in hospital but are not on a ventilator may also donate. They are called non-heartbeating donors. Sometimes people who do not die in hospital can become tissue donors.

Consent

The consent, or lack of objection, of those closest to the patient is always sought before organs can be donated. This is why it is so important for people to discuss their wishes with their loved ones. Donation is an individual choice and views differ even within the same religious groups. Many families who agree to organ donation have said that it helps to know some good has come from their loss.

Care and Respect

The removal of organs is carried out with the greatest care and respect. The family can see the body afterwards and staff can contact a chaplain or local religious leader if the family wishes.

“I always carry my donor card with me. It says that my whole body can be used for organ donation and medical purposes after my death. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to do the same”

Dr Bal Mukund Bhala
Co-ordinator Hindu International Medical Mission
Former President Hindu Council UK

Christianity and Organ Donation

A guide to organ donation and Christian beliefs

The Christian faith is based upon the revelation of God in the life of Jesus Christ. Throughout his life Jesus taught people to love one another and he proved his love for the world upon the cross. It seems in keeping with this that Christians consider organ donation as a genuine act of love and a way of following Jesus’ example. This act of love then becomes part of a Christian discipleship or faith journey that is motivated by compassion to help someone else and demonstrates a sense of social responsibility. Sacrifice and helping others are consistent themes in Christianity, which teaches the principle of seeking for others what you hope others would do for you. Enabling life to be lived as fully as possible is consistent with the teaching of the Son of God,

Jesus Christ:
“…freely you have received, freely give”
Matthew, chapter 10:8

Christians should be encouraged to help others in need. Discussing organ donation with family and friends is a responsible and thoughtful act.

“I hope that Christian people will seriously and positively consider organ donation. The ready willingness to donate an organ is a clear sign of that sacrificial self-giving for others patterned by Jesus Christ.”

David Ebor: Archbishop of York

“Every organ transplant has its source in a decision of great ethical value…Here lies the nobility of a gesture which is a genuine act of love. There is a need to instil in people’s hearts a genuine and deep love that can find expression in the decision to become an organ donor.”

His Holiness Pope John Paul II

“Any act that can save life, such as organ donation, is a great thing and quite acceptable within our faith.”

Council of African & Afro-Caribbean Churches (UK)

“The Methodist Church has consistently supported organ donation and transplantation in appropriate circumstances, as a means through which healing and health may be made possible.”

Methodist Church UK

Organ donation

When can organ donation take place?

Doctors and nurses are committed to doing everything possible to save life. Organs are only removed for transplantation once all attempts to save life have failed and after death has been certified by a doctor or doctors who are entirely independent of the transplant team. Most donated organs come from people who die from a severe brain injury and who receive treatment on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. The brain injury damages vital centres in the brain stem which are essential to maintain life. No one can live once these centres have been destroyed. Tests can show conclusively when this has happened. In some circumstances, patients who die in hospital but are not on a ventilator may also donate. They are called non-heartbeating donors. Sometimes people who do not die in hospital can become tissue donors.

Consent

Care and respect

The removal of organs is carried out with the greatest care and respect. The family can see the body afterwards and staff can contact a chaplain or local religious leader if the family wishes.
“Christians should generally be encouraged to help others in need and organ donation can be a very concrete and sacrificial way of helping”

The Right Reverend Michael Nazir-Ali Bishop of Rochester

Organ donation the gift of life
Today more than 10,000 people in the UK need an organ transplant which could save or dramatically improve their lives. Most are waiting for a kidney, others for a heart, lung or liver transplant.

“Christians should generally be encouraged to help others in need and organ donation can be a very concrete and sacrificial way of helping”

The Right Reverend Michael Nazir-Ali
Bishop of Rochester

Islam and Organ Donation

Guide to organ donation and Muslim beliefs

In 1995 the Muslim Law (Shariah) Council UK issued a fatwa (religious opinion) on organ donation. The council resolved that:

The council supports organ transplantation as a means of alleviating pain or saving life on the basis of the rules of the Shariah
Muslims may carry donor cards
The next of kin of a dead person, in the absence of a card or an expressed wish to donate their organs, may give permission to obtain organs from the body to save other people’s lives.

The fatwa is based on the Islamic principle of al-darurat tubih al-mahzurat (necessities overrule prohibition). Normally, violating the human body, whether living or dead, is forbidden in Islam – but the Shariah believes this can be overruled when saving another person’s life.

However there are also a significant number of Muslim scholars who believe that organ donation is not permissible and hold the view that this does not fall under the criteria of the Islamic principle of al-darurat tubih al-mahzurat (necessities overrule prohibition) due to other overriding Islamic principles. Both viewpoints take their evidence from the Qur’an and the Ahaadith and therefore individual Muslims should make a decision according to their understanding of the Shariah or seek advice from their local Imam or scholar. The Muslim Law Council UK fatwa draws on one of the basic aims of the Muslim faith: saving life.

“Whosoever saves the life of one person it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.”

Holy Qur’an, chapter 5:32

“Whosoever helps another will be granted help from Allah.”

Prophet Muhammed (pbuh)

“If you happened to be ill and in need of a transplant, you certainly would wish that someone would help you by providing the needed organ.”

Sheikh Dr MA Zaki Badawi, Principal, Muslim College, London

Organ donation

Organ donation is the gift of an organ to help someone else who needs a transplant. Hundreds of people’s lives are saved each year by organ transplants.Organs that can be donated by people who have died include the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small bowel. Tissue such as skin, bone, heart valves and corneas can also be used to help others.

When can organ donation take place?

Doctors and nurses are committed to doing everything possible to save life. Organs are only removed for transplantation once all attempts to save life have failed and after death has been certified by a doctor or doctors who are entirely independent of the transplant team. Most donated organs come from people who die from a severe brain injury and who receive treatment on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. The brain injury damages vital centres in the brain stem which are essential to maintain life. No one can live once these centres have been destroyed. Tests can show conclusively when this has happened. In some circumstances, patients who die in hospital but are not on a ventilator may also donate. They are called non heartbeating donors. Sometimes people who do not die in hospital can become tissue donors.

Consent

The consent, or lack of objection, of those closest to the patient is always sought before organs can be donated. This is why it is so important for people to discuss their wishes with their loved ones.Donation is an individual choice and views differ even within the same religious groups. Many families who agree to organ donation have said that it helps to know some good has come from their loss.

Care and respect

The removal of organs is carried out with the greatest care and respect. The family can see the body afterwards and staff can contact a chaplain or local religious leader if the family wishes. Muslim scholars of the most prestigious academies are unanimous in declaring that organ donation is an act of merit and in certain circumstances can be an obligation. These institutes all call upon Muslims to donate organs for transplantation:

The Shariah Academy of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (representing all Muslim countries)
The Grand Ulema Council of Saudi Arabia
The Iranian Religious Authority
The Al-Azhar Academy of Egypt

Sikhism and Organ Donation

A guide to organ donation and Sikh beliefs

Sikh philosophy and teachings place great emphasis on the importance of giving and putting others before oneself.

“Where self exists, there is no God Where God exists, there is no self.”

Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib

The Sikh faith stresses the importance of performing noble deeds. There are many examples of selfless giving and sacrifice in Sikh teachings by the ten Gurus and other Sikhs. Sikhs believe life after death is a continuous cycle of rebirth but the physical body is not needed in this cycle – a person’s soul is their real essence.

“The dead sustain their bond with the living through virtuous deeds.”

Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib

“The Sikh religion teaches that life continues after death in the soul, and not the physical body. The last act of giving and helping others through organ donation is both consistent with, and in the spirit of, Sikh teachings.”

Dr Indarjit Singh OBE, Director of the Network of Sikh Organisations UK

Endorsed by Sikh Authorities in Amritsar, Punjab

“The true servants of God are those who serve Him through helping others.”

Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib

Organ donation

Organ donation is the gift of an organ to help someone else who needs a transplant. Hundreds of people’s lives are saved each year by organ transplants.Organs that can be donated by people who have died include the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small bowel. Tissue such as skin, bone, heart valves and corneas can also be used to help others.

When can organ donation take place?

Most donated organs come from people who die from a severe brain injury and who receive treatment on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. The brain injury damages vital centres in the brain stem which are essential to maintain life. No one can live once these centres have been destroyed. Tests can show conclusively when this has happened. In some circumstances, patients who die in hospital but are not on a ventilator may also donate. They are called non-heartbeating donors.

Sometimes people who do not die in hospital can become tissue donors.

Consent

Care and respect

The removal of organs is carried out with the greatest care and respect. The family can see the body afterwards and staff can contact a chaplain or local religious leader if the family wishes.

“In my family we alI carry donor cards and would encourage all Sikhs to do so”

Dr Indarjit Singh OBE, Director

Network of Sikh Organisations UK

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