Is Church against transplantation?

  1. Lemma
  2. Este Biserica împotriva transplantului?
  3. Romanian
  4. Stavinschi, Alexandra
  5. Ethics - Scientific theories and disciplines > Medicine
  6. Raduca, Vasile [Author]. Is Church against transplantation?
  7. Ziarul Lumina
  8. bioethics - organ transplantation - embryonic - freedom - human free agency
  9. Click Here

    1. The author seeks to clarify a misunderstanding propagated through a Romanian TV programme, where it was suggested that the Orthodox Church is against the medical practice of transplantation.

      Based on the examples of Saint Cosmas and Damian, who are thought to have performed such operations, the author is adamant in rejecting this view. However, he is well aware that organ transplantations is subject to a number of fundamental principles, which must always be taken into consideration.

      The operation must be beneficial, it must show respect to the life of both donor and recipient, it must not discriminate against anyone and it must respect the freedom and autonomy of the person.

      Based on these general principles, other related principles have been developed, depending on the conditions and on the people involved in the operation. Really delicate issues are raised by the sampling of cells, tissues and organs. These can be taken from human embryos, living people or inanimate bodies. The Church cannot agree with the removal of transplantable material (stem cells or alike) from living human embryos, which involves the death or can affect the life of the subject from which the sampling was conducted. If the donor is alive, he or she must be a free person in full command of their mental faculties and free to exercise them. This person should be duly informed about the consequences of the cell or tissue collection and give their consent freely, consciously, explicitly and in writing. For children, parents or tutors might play an important role, but even then the freedom of self-determination of the minor must not be neglected.

      The organ donation is an act of sacrifice that the Church cannot impose or require from anyone. It can only be done out of love for God and for the neighbour. Risking one own’s life for God and for one's neighbour is the supreme sign of love.