Question: Is organ transplantation permissible for the prolongation of human life?

Answer: Organ transplantation is an important, yet complicated, part of Torah law. There are many details and nuances, and each specific case must be dealt with accordingly.

In concept, though, organ transplantation is not only permissible, but it is indeed the fulfillment of the mitzvah to save a life. That does not mean, though, that everyone should be an organ donor. The practices of organ harvest must be analyzed and scrutinized to insure that it does not constitute murder. Organs are most viable for transplant while the donor is still living, and they degenerate after death. There are places where death is hastened, or even caused, to get the organs for donation. In other cases, organs might be taken even before a person might be considered dead in Jewish law. Because of the severity of murder, a competent authority must be consulted before making these decisions.

Of course, this is all for vital organs, which can only be taken from donors after death. Live donation of a kidney, or other non-vital organs, is always permissible to prolong another person’s life.

Best wishes,

R’ Daniel Fleksher