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 What does the Bible say about the donation of
body parts or organ transplants?

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Body parts


Letter to the Editor:
PASUGO, April 2000, p.2

HERE IN CANADA, on the back of everyone's driver's license, there is a section that asks if the licensee would like to donate, in the case of his accidental death, his body parts to scientific research or his organs to those who are in need of a transplant. What does the Bible say about the donation of body parts?

Pierre Rousseau
Alberta, Canada

Editor's reply:

             With regard to the donation of organs or body parts for research or to save lives, we ought to be guided by the teaching of Christ of the principle of sacrificing one-self for the sake of others. He said:

            Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”(Jn. 15:13, New King James Version)

             If a loved one is in need of a kidney transplant, and the only one able to donate the need organ is a close relative with similar genetics, for example a sibling, then more often than not, the close relative would gladly donate his body part. If it is acceptable for a living person to donate his body part to save another's life, then much more than the dying decide so since when he dies, he would have no more need of his body parts.

     When Christ was asked which the greatest commandment is, He answered:

      ‘“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind’. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’.” (Mt. 22:37-39, Ibid.)

     Being a donor of body parts upon death so that others may live is a gesture of love for one’s neighbor. For this reason, there is nothing wrong with donating body parts if one chooses to.

 

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Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind.

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