Does the Catholic Church permit organ donation and transplantation?
Yes. Organ donation after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as an expression of generous Christian charity.
Organ transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers incurred by the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient. Donation by a living person (such as donating one kidney) is permissible provided it does not cause serious bodily mutilation or death to the donor.
For organ donation after death, the donor or their legitimate family representatives must give informed consent, and death must be fully determined before vital organs are retrieved. It is not morally acceptable to directly cause the disabling mutilation or death of a human being, even to delay the death of other persons.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2296
- John 15:13
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.