Religious leaders share perspectives on organ donation
Most scholars see it as a way to serve humanity
CAMBRIDGE — Making organ donation more common is an evolution of science and faith.
New technology and techniques allow for more successful transplants, and more religions are embracing the life-saving practice.
“We are all one. It doesn’t matter what we believe in,” said Chattar Ahuja of the Golden Triangle Sikh Association.
Ahuja was speaking at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on Thursday morning, part of a panel discussing different religious perspectives on organ donation.
This is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week.
“One of the greatest acts of humanity is to save another person’s life, and organ donation gives us that opportunity,” said Dr. Iqbal Biswas, physician lead for the hospital’s organ donation committee.
Currently in Ontario, there are more than 1,500 people waiting for an organ transplant.
“Every day, their life is at risk,” Biswas said.
Ahuja said serving humanity is a fundamental value of the Sikh religion.
“It’s important to serve humanity in whatever way we can,” he said.
Although in the past there was distrust around organ donation and who benefitted, things are changing. “People are more willing.” Abdul Raouf Kabbar, imam of the Islamic Centre of Cambridge, said there are two opinions on organ donation is Islam.
Some scholars say it is forbidden based on the belief human beings are God’s greatest creation.
“They don’t want that special honour to be broken,” Kabbar said. It’s not possible to give organs because “you don’t own yourself.”
However, the majority of scholars support organ donation, and Muslim councils in various nations have endorsed it. The general ruling, Kabbar said, is that “in case of an extreme need, then the forbidden may become permissible.”
And according to the Quran: “Whosoever saves the life of one person it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.”
Hospital chaplain Christopher Rigden-Briscall said there’s no one perspective on organ donation in any tradition.
In Judaism, he said the vast majority is supportive and follows the belief “love your neighbour as yourself,” while some more orthodox followers adhere to the belief a body is sacred and long-standing rites around how it is to be treated in the process of death.
“Change is something that is difficult,” Rigden-Briscall said.
Some say organ donation is not their custom, and “we need to really hear people.”
Chaplain Rob Heintz agreed there’s “a whole wide range of ideas.”
While Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t get blood transfusions, organ donation is allowed, he said.
What’s important is asking the individual and helping them speak to a faith leader to ensure they have informed consent. “We really want to honour people,” Heintz said.
Barbara Edwards, hospital development co-ordinator with Trillium Gift of Life Network, said respect is important when approaching a family about donating organs, along with not assuming what someone would wish.
“Each family is their own culture,” she said.
Cambridge’s Pam Ditner told the group about all the wonderful moments she’s shared with her family in the few years since receiving a heart transplant.
“It’s pretty hard to put a value on the gift,” Ditner said.