476. Are the transplant and donation of organs allowed before and after death?
(Comp 476) The transplant of organs is morally acceptable with the consent of the
donor and without excessive risks to him or her. Before allowing the noble act
of organ donation after death, one must verify that the donor is truly dead.
“In brief”
(CCC 2319) Every human life, from
the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has
been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy
God.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 2296) Organ
transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and
psychological dangers and risks incurred by the donor are proportionate to the
good that is sought for the recipient. Organ donation after death is a noble
and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as a manifestation of generous
solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or those who legitimately
speak for him have not given explicit consent. Moreover, it is not morally
admissible directly to bring about the disabling mutilation or death of a human
being, even in order to delay the death of other persons.
Reflection
(CCC 159) Faith and
science: "Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real
discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries
and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God
cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth" (Dei Filius 4: DS 3017).
"Consequently, methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided
it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral
laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and
the things of faith derive from the same God. The humble and persevering
investigator of the secrets of nature is being led, as it were, by the hand of
God in spite of himself, for it is God, the conserver of all things, who made
them what they are" (GS 36 § 1).
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